LIFE AND NAVAL CAREER 



VICE-ADMIKAL 



DAVID GLASCOE FARIUGUI 



REV. pM "Beadle Y, 
II 

Airr:i'>u OF "napoleon," •' Josephine," "women of this hibi.e," "heko 

■ROT," " I'ATBIOT BOY," "' LIFB Of SHEKMAN," KTO., ETO, 



NEW vTQRK: 
wn.IJAM 11. APrLETON, 92 & 94 GRAND STREET. 

1805. 






Entered, according to Act of ConfrcGs, in the year 186a, by 

WM. ir. ArrLETON, 

In the ClerVs OiScc of tha District Court of the United Stales for the 
Soutiiurii District of Now York. 



et, 



APR 1 9 1940 



T O T U K 

MIDSHIPMEN OF THE AMERICAN NAVY, 

TIII3 

RECOrsD or an illcstp.ious cvreeh, 

WOOdU BEGINXIXa WAS A FAITHFUL rEUFOEMAKCE OF THE 

DUTIES WniC!I BELONG TO THEIIl RANE, 

ISINSCRIEED 

BT 

THE AUTHOR. 



PREFACE 



The sketcli of the great naval commauder of 
the age is added to the biographies of militaiy 
heroes for youth, because Iiis life is an unquestioned 
example of an honorable and most successfal ca- 
reer. To some of the sources of information the 
author -was referred by the AdmiraLhimself. 

The material for the sketch of the Admiral's 
early history are not so full as might be desired. His 
life on the sea necessarily made it quite impossible 
to gather many incidents of interest in connection 
with his subsecjuent career, Yrhieh Vv'ould have be- 
come traditionary in a community vvhere the years 
of boyhood and youth were passed. 

The " Journal" of Commodore David Porter, of 
the Essex, Abbott's " History of the Rebellion," 



8 PREFACE. 

and the " Army and Navy Journal," liave been 
valuaLle works of reference. 

Life on board a man-of-war, and facts in regard 
to tlie last conflict ^Yitl^ England, are given, to in- 
terest tlie youthful reader, and shed liglit on the 
career of the boy-midshipman in the earlier period 
of the American navy. To our Yice-Admiral the 
sudden and rapid growth of our marine power dur- 
ing the four years past, must be a marvellous con- 
trast with the small progress made during the half 
century of his previous service in it. 

This record of his long experience, and the gi- 
gantic greatness of our present naval force, is offered 
to the youthful reader with the hope that he will 
find both instruction and entertainment, and that 
it will aid liini in the formation of a patriotic and 
Christian character, whatever the profession or call- 
ing chosen for the activity of manhood. 



CONTENTS 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGE 

The Is'r.nd-IIome of the Farragut Fimiily— Mahon and Ciudadella— Removal 
to the New "World— The jSTame in the Revolutionary War— David's 
Birth- Early Loveof the Sea- llisFcarlessSpirit, . . . . la 

CHAl^TER II. 

David is appointed Midshipman — Life on board a Man-of-var — The Decks 
—Moss-room— Divisions of Time— The Officers— Midshipmen— Their 
Promotiun, 21 

Cir.lPTER III. 

Mora about the Men of a Man-of-war— First Lieutenant— The Purser— 
The Surgeon — The Midshipmen — The Quartci-master — Boatswain— Gun- 
ncrs- Mechanics — The Government of the Frigate, . . . .GO 



CHAPTER IV. 

Midshipman Farragut at Sea— The Amenean Navy at that time— Tho War 
with England— The Essex— Her first Cruise, 89 



CHAPTER V. 

Tho Essex on tho Ocean-plain of Conilict— A Prize— Midshipman Farra- 



10 



FASB 

gut— A Battle find a Yictory— Naval Operations m other Quarters— 
The Essex ordered on a long Cruise— The Preparation- At Sea again, . 60 

CHAPTER YI. 

On to Port Praya— Itis Position and People— Incidents interesting to the 
" Young Gentlemen "—The Sleeping Apai-tments on board a Frigate — 
Captain Porter cares for his People — Encounter v;ith a British Brig— 
The Prize— At St. Catharine's, ■ . . .65 

CHAPTER VII. 

A Farewell to Moorings- Around Cape llo-n— Scanty Fare — A Eat a 
Daintj— A Cup of l^ire Water at Sea— Gales— Perils Doubling the 
Capo— Mocha— A Tragedy, 89 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Sailing in the Fog — Valparaiso — A glad Bight — The Welcome — Novel 
Scenes— An expected Battle— Life in Chili— Down the Coast— A strange 
Hermit — Ocean Scenes — The Sailor's Punishment and Escape — Sail 
ho !— A brief Order— The Tortoise— A Tomb and Epitaph, . . .110 

CHAPTER IX. 

A new Prize— The Englishmen Scold— List of the Captured Vessels- 
Volcanic Exhibition- Enchanted Island— Dead Man's Island— A Sad 
Burial— The " TToung Gentlemen " Promoted— Essex Junior— Prizes— 
<;ames' Island— A Duel— Off for the Washington Islands— Achieve- 
ments iu the Pacific, . . . . . 1S2 

CHAPTER X. 
The Cruise to Washington Islands- Cheerfulness- A New Order— A Stranga 
People— Tattooing Incidents— Madison's Island— A Wild English- 
man—War among the Islanders— The "Yankees" in the Fray— The 
Battle and Victory, 150 



11 



CHAPTER XI. 

PAQB 

A Conspiracy— Knm— The Plot frustrated— The Island under tho Btai-s 
and Stripes— Tho Typee War— Captain Porter's Defence of his Inva- 
sion— Native Customs and Island Scenes, 156 

CHAPTER XII. 

Departure from Madison's Island— Arrival at Valparaiso— Scenes in tho 
Harbor — Unexpected appearance of the Enemy's Ships — Correspond- 
ence — Disregard of Neutrality Laws— The Battle— Midshipman Far- 
ragut a Hero in the Fight— Is Wounded— Captain Porter's Escape, . 165 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Midshipman Farragut returns to the United States— A Good Story— Enters 
the Military School at Chester — Again at Sea — The Chaplain his 
Friend — At Tunis ■svlth the Consul — Historic Scenes — Development of 
Character— Aiior.t again— At Norfolk- Marriage— Promotion, . . 183 

CHAPTER XIV. 

The Civil War opens — Norfolk— Captain Farragut — Exciting Scenes — Pa- 
triotic YfoiMS — L^;avea Norfolic — Escape North — l!i5 Nev.- Home — 
Offers himself to the Country— Naval Expeditions- Tho Blockade, . 196 

CHAPTER XV. 

The. Preparation to attack New Orleans— General Ihitlor— Farragut— Pro- 
gress of the Enterprise— Forts Philip and Jackson— Fii-e Eafts— The 
Sign::! Shell —The Bomb.ardment opens, 205 

CHAPTER XVI. 

The Advance— The Terrible Conflict— The Fire-raft and Rams— Victory- 
Thanksgiving — Anecdotes of tho Admiral — Tho Effect of the Victory 
oa the Nation — Up tho Kivcr — Passing Port Hudson — Tho Second 
■ Gauntlet of Fire, 212 



12 CONTENTS. 

CnAPTER XVII. 

PAGS 

The Situation of Mobile— Preparations to attack its Fortifications— Their 
Strength — Generals Canby and Granger — The Advance — General Order 
— The Engagement — Anecdotes of the Admiral — His Iteport of the 
Splendid AiTair— Thanksgiving— A Song of Victory, . . . .245 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

The National Joy— The President's Thanks— Congressional Action— Other 
Voices of Gladness — Leave of Absence — Arrival at Kcw York — Tho 
Welcome — Is created Vice-Admiral, 273 

CHAPTER XIX. 

A Festival— The Merchants of New York and the Vice-Admiral— The Tes- 
timonial — Correspondence — Farr.igut at Kichmond — At Norfolk — A 
Noble Speech- Visits other Places- Vice-Admiral Farragut compared 
with Naval Heroes of tho Past— His True Greatness- A Poet's 
OfSeriBg, 20T 



CHAPTER I. 

rhe Island-Homo of the Farragut Family— Mahon and Ciudadella— Kemoval to 
the Xew World— The Name in the Revolutionaiy War— David's Birth- 
Early Love of the Sea— His Fearless Spirit. 

IIE Farragut family Avere originally from Catalo- 
nia. This province lies on the Spanish coast, 
and along the Pyrenees ; its " blnshing vine- 
yards, verdant landscapes, and its whitewashed 
villages," glowing in the sunlight, before the 
traveller's delighted eye, while the ship that bears him 
onward toward Marseilles, or some less noted port on the 
sea-border of France, cuts the waves of the blue Mediter- 
ranean. 

Southeasterly, and nearly midway betvv-eon Spain and 
Africa, and oppositt the kingdom of Valencia, are the Ba- 
learic Islands, now a province of Spain. The lai-gest is 
Majorica, the second Minorica, the third Ivica, with tvv'o 
smaller ones, Formentera and Cobrera. Minorica was the 
island-home of George Farragut, our Admiral's father. 



14: LIFE OF ADMIEAL FAEEAGUT. 

These sea-girdled lands Avere first settled by the an- 
cient Plioeuicians, and successiv^ely fell into the hands of 
the Ehodians and Carthagenians. The leader of the last- 
mentioned, rianno, founded Mago, called Mahon, and 
Tamnon or Ciudadelia, on the opposite extremities of 
Minorica. 

The Romans added the Balearic Islands to their Em- 
pire 123 B. c, and held them for five and a half centu- 
ries. Then they were seized by the Vandals, who swept 
over Europe, and still later by tjie Goths. At length the 
Moors became the possessors of them, and they have been 
for a long period quietly under the sceptre of Spain. 

Ciudadelia was the capital of MiDorica, and the resi- 
dence of Mr. Farragut. It is abont thirty miles from 
Mahon, and is still the favorite town of the nobility and 
gentry. You will be interested in a lively description of 
the people and scenery of the island from the pen of a 
young official on board a man-of-war, an instructor of 
midshipmen, of whom you will learn more hereafter. He 
sailed in the U. S. Irrigate Constellation. 

" To an American, whose land smiles with plenty, 
one of the most striking contrasts Minorica presents, is its 
extreme poverty. • Proofs of this meet you on all hands, 
and in every shape. You see them in the number of 
mendicants that crowd the streets, in the modes to which 
many of the inhabitants ic'sort to obtain subsistence, in 
the fare to wliich they are obliged to submit, and in the 



LIFE OF ADJmiAL FAEEAGUT. 15 

low prices affixed to manual labor and domestic services. 
As you pass tlirougli the town, hosts of ragged boys whose 
pertinacity no refusal can overcome, follov,' you fi'om street 
to street, witli faces wrinkled into a thousand shapes of 
woe, and with the incessant Avhining cry of ' Officer, givt; 
me one penny for de bread — I say. Officer, give me one 
penny.' 

" There is another class of beggars, composed of old 
men and women, who, from age or infirmity, are unable 
to work, and therefore really necassitous. Such have 
stated times for asking alms, which are on Saturdays and 
some of the Church holidays. They go from house to 
house, generally visiting only the families to vrhom they 
arc known. They never enter, but tell their tale of pov- 
erty and suffering without ; at the same time beseeching 
some trifling gratuity for the ' love of God and the blessed 
Virgin.' To the honor of that portion of the inhabitants 
who arc in better circumstances, it must be mentioned 
that they are rarely turned away without an alms. 

" I used frequently to walk out in the country, and, 
go in whatever direction I might, it rarely happened that 
I did not see a number of persons carefully gathering up 
the ordure in the roads for the purpose of selling it. JjIuI- 
titudes of the inhabitants have no regular nieans of sub- 
sistence, but lounge about in the public places, ready to 
engage in any temporary or menial service that may offer 
itself to them. In some parts of the island there are 



16 LITE OF ADMIRAL FAKEAGUT. 

many whose only bread is barley cakes, and the number 
is not small of those who cannot obtain even these, but 
are compelled to subsist almost exclusively on fish, fruits, 
and vegetables. 

"In one of my rambles into the country I lost my 
way, and came to a place where an old man was repair- 
ing a stone wall. I begged him to direct mc. lie re- 
plied that he was going to dinner, and could accompany 
me on my way toward Mahon. Arrived opposite a little 
stone hut, lie said, ' There is my honic ; I am going to 
dine; will you dine with mc?' I declined. The old 
gentleman insisted, and I at length yielded. The table 
was an old bench resembling the movable seats in some 
of the schoolhouscs in New England ; and the chairs were 
other benches of the same kind, only a little lower. The 
<linner consisted of a small loaf of brown bread, a bowl 
of vegetable soup, a bit of old sausage, and a little cheese, 
with the common red wine of the country. An old rusty 
knife and fork, neither of which_ had a handle, two or 
three broken plates, a tumbler, and a goui'd-shell, consti- 
tuted tfie whole furniture of the table. As the reader 
may guess, I ale but little, but I thought the more ; and 
I could not but be deeply afTected, as Fancy pictured to 
my \icw the multitudes in that rocky and sterile island 
who Avere accustomed to sit down to a worse dinner than 
even that before mc ; whilst in my own loved and hanny 
laud the family could scarcely be found who were obliged 



LIFE OF ADMIIIAL FAEEAGUT. 17 

to submit to such fare. The old gentleman's family con- 
sisted only of himself and his wife. I was touched with 
their unaffected kindness and the patriarchal simplicity of 
their manners. They did not seem to dream that the din- 
ner to v'hich they had invited mo Avas not a dinner for a 
king, and they expressed a thousand regrets that I had 
not a better appetite. It is but justice to add that my 
kind-hearted host positively refused the slightest remuner- 
ation for his hospitality. 

" Minorica produces in abundance grapes, oranges, figs, 
pomegranates, olives, apricots, melons, cauliflowers, and 
various other fruits and vegetables, and the money re- 
ceived in exchange for them is nearly all that gets into 
the island." 

Did you ever hear of wood being sold by lueighi ? It 
is dcno there, and at a very high price. Charcoal is mora 
generally burnt, and the fire is made in a copa.^ the Span- 
ish name of a pan for holding coals in the middle of tlie 
room, over which the children shiver on the cooler days 
of the year, when the streets will be lined with thece 
copas, put out in the air to ignite the charred wood before 
removing them to the frosty rooms. 

The early inhabitants, willi those of the otlier Bale- 
aric Islands, were remarkable for tlicir skill in using, like 
David the son of Jesse, the sling ; and among the coun- 
trymen great expertncss, it is said, is slill common. To 
mako their sons good marksmen it was a custom of par- 



18 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARKAGTIT. 

ents to hang the breakfast upon boughs of lofty trees, 
to remaia there till brought down by the boys with 
the sling. The strong arms of manhood, thus trained, 
would hurl with tremendous power the " smooth stones." 
When tlie warriors went into battle, a sling was sus- 
pended from the neck, another from the waist, and a 
third carried in the hand for immediate use. 

Botli men and women are excellent swimmers. One 
of the latter, when a man-of-war had lain becalmed off 
the coast, became impatient for the penny a basket of 
fruit Avould procure, and, plunging in Avith the lusuryj 
swam safely to the ship. 

You will see female porters in the streets of the towns, 
with a heavy burden on their lieads and a distaff in their 
hands, and shoes with wooden soles on their feet, making 
a strange clatter, and sometimes startling you with the 
impression that a donkey is behind you. A co^v and jack- 
ass, and a hurse and mule, are harnessed together. Wheel 
carriages have never been used in Minorica, the backs 
of animals being the substitutes ; and when you mount to 
ride into the country the boys will chase you for miles to 
get a copper for holding the horse, mule, or donkej when 
you stop. 

Tliere are many other cui'ious customs and scenes in 
Minorica. In a cathedral at Mahon is a. magnificent or- 
gan, in strength and sweetness of tone surpassed by icw 
iustruracnts in the vrorld. Of com-3C the people of these 



LIFK OF ADMIKAL FAKEAGUT. 19 

isles are Catholics, aiul have all the display, monkish beg- 
gary, and superstition of papal countries where but little 
progress has been made in education. 

Such was the isolated land which became too limited 
for the mind and heart of George Farragut, whose aspi- 
rations for greater freedom led him to our shores. 

It was in the memorable year 1776 that he came to 
this country, and entered the American army. That he 
was a good soldier the inherited qualities of his son, and 
the rank of major to which he attained, assure us. 

When victory over our British foe — whose aristocra'tic 
pride has not lost its hostility to freedom here — gave to 
the colonies victory and nationality, George Farragut re- 
tired from military service, and decided to establish 

"A local habitation and a name,"' 

\mtler the banner lie had defended in battle. lie married 
Miss Elizabeth Shine, of North Carolina. She had also 
a distinguished origin, belonging to the Scotch family of 
Mclven, Like the parents of nearly all the great com- 
manders in the civil war, he became a Western pioneer. 
lie selected lands near Knoxvillo, Tennessee, whose par- 
ticular locality is kaown as CampbeH's Station. Here he 
lived a worthy representative of the "huutera of Ken- 
tucky," who have in Colonel Daniel Boone a leader of 
world-wide fame. 

You have read the stories of frontier life. ]?,Iajor Far- 



20 -LIFE OF ADMIEAL FAIiRAGUT. 

ragiit had to keep the loaded gun at hand day and ciglit, 
making his clearing a fortress and farm. The stealthy 
savage was lurking around, and ho could not tell when 
the hostile hand might send the arroAV or bullet to his 
Tery door. 

Here, the day succeeding the twenty-fifth anniversary 
of the Declaration of Independence, July 5th, 1801, a son 
was born, who was named David Glascoc Farragut. 

Major Farragut left the quiet of the land for the sea ; 
and it is not strange that David caught the romance of 
its adventure, and with boyish impatience longed to be 
on the ocean v/ave. He dreamed of siiips and battles, and 
was impatient for the hour when he might wear the jacket 
of the sailor boy. All his earliest recollections were of 
the v.'ild border experience, which gave to his naturally 
dai-ing spirit that fearlessness characteristic of him in the 
heroic deeds of riper years. It was not blind rashness, 
which in young and old is sometimes mistaken for intel- 
ligent courage ; but an ingrained indifference to peril, 
when a worthy object demanded a given course of action. 
Not only go, but he vras obedient and uncorrupted by 
vicious habits — winning the confidence of friends, and 
laying the foundation of greatness unsullied with selfish 
a.nd sensual indulgence. 



CHAPTER II. 

David Is appointed Midsbipmau — LLfo on board a Man-of-war — The Decks— 
Mess-room — Divisions of Time — Tlie Oflicers — Midshipmen — Their Pro- 
motion. 

\IIE pioneer's son lorcd the wild slopes of the 
.y^ Cumberland Mountains and the hunter's trail. 
He found a strange delight in the romantic and 
varied scenes familiar to the settlers on the new 
^ lands of our vast domain ; but his spii-it's longing 
for the scarcely more perilous and open plains of the 
mariner's toil and honors, must be gratified. The fond 
father hesitated — delayed ; but at last yielded, and a mid- 
shipman's warrant was obtained and placed in his boyish 
hand. 

You can imagine his delight, for you have known the 
rapture of success in some favorite and difficult plan of 
early ambition. Nor was his joy diminished by the fact 
that he was to sail with his Other's familiar friend, Cap- 
tain Porter, of the Essex. 

Before I tell you of him and his good ship, you may 



22 LU^E OF ADMIRAL FAKKAGUT. 

want to know more about (he duties and triab of a mit 
shipman, in the then ^inxj navy of the United States, and 
the officers of a man-of-war. Let lis look into a man-of- 
war, so long the home of David, and see the arrange- 
ments, and know tlie olliccrs that ruli^ over the Heating 
military kingdom. 

A frigate has three decks. The fh-st is called the 
spar deck, which is again divided into three distinct de- 
partments : the quarter-deck, the forecastle, and the 
booms. The quarter-deck is next to the cauin in impor- 
tance. To appear there the otTiccr on duty, must be 
dressed in full uniform, and touch his hat as a sign of re- 
spect when he ascends to it from below, or comes over 
the ship's sides. Yf rites the schoolmaster of the " mid- 
dies" on board of the Constitution : " I liave been repri- 
manded for walking there in a hot summer's day without 
a cravat on, and the etiquette of touching the hat is in 
some instances so rigorously exacted that midshipmen are 
suspended or quarantined for neglecting to comply with 
it. No officer is allowed to be seated en the quarter-deck, 
and loud laughter and boisterous conversation are strictly 
prohibited. I knew an officer high in rank to be reported 
to the commodore by a master commandant for breaking 
out into what he called a 'horse laugh' on the quarter- 
deck. In port the starboard side of the quarter-deck is 
appropriated to the captain and wardroom officers, and 
the larboard to the inferior officers. As you stand facing 



LIFE OF admit; A L FAKKAGUT. 23 

the ship's head the starboard is on your right and lar- 
board on your loft. The larboard is also called port. 

" I have seen a sailor taken to the gangway and receive 
' a dozen ' for walking aft on the starboard side of the 
dock. At sea the higher officers arc entitled to the 
weather side, that i?;, the side upon which the wind blows, 
whichever it may be." 

You will notice three stairway openings, called hatch- 
es, ou the quarter-deck, of which the after one, or that 
nearest the vessel's stern, belongs entirely to the superior 
ofRcers. The capstan, or wooden cylinder near the cen- 
tre, is turned to life tlic anchor and other heavy weights. 
Before the mizzenmast is the wheel, in charge of four 
men, by which the helm is controlled and the ship kept 
in her course over the waves. In front of it are the bin- 
acles, or boxes, containing each a mariner's compass. 

Do you ask, " AVhy are there two ?" To be more 
secure ; for if one should fail by any defect or accident, 
another is left to guide the commander. The favorite 
haunt of the men is the forecastle, or the part of the 
spar-deck forward of the foremast, or nearest the prow. 
Here they assemble at evening in summer time, and 
" spin their yarns," sing songs, and dance, forgetful 
of tlic impleasant scenes and toils of their monotonous 
round of duty. Then, again, recollections of liome 
and friends afar, will soften down the tone of social en- 
joyment, and bring the tear to the eye which had often 



24 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAREAOUT. 

looked fearlessly upon the wildest storm-cloud and the 
wrathful billow. 

A blachsmith's shop is carried on the frigate, which is 
moved to tlie forecastle Avhcu there is work for its fire 
and hammer. Between this and tlie quarter-deck are 
stored extra spars, and all the boats excepting five — one 
at the stern, and one at each of the quarters. • This lum- 
ber-room is called the " booms." 

'•Passing by some other fixtm-es which you will under- 
stand better by seeing them, and asking a kind sailor to tell 
you their uses and names, we will go to the main, or gun- 
deck, the " great Inxury of a frigate." It is covered, and 
neither sun, rain, nor dew can prevent or annoy the fine 
promenade it affords. On a warm day or moonlight 
evening, nothing can be more delightful to the mariner 
than to walk the floor of the floating hall, and feel the 
cooling breeze, and look out on the changeful sea. But 
we have not seen the most important place in the ship — 
the seat of power, tlie throne of the sea-king — the cap- 
tain's calm. It occupies almost the whole room in the 
main deck, abafl or back of the mizzenmast, and covers 
the space of four giuis, separated from the rest of the 
deck by " bulkheads," as partitions on shipboard are 
called. These Avooden walls are removed when the ves- 
sel is cleared, or got ready for action, for the deck tlien 
becomes a battle-field. 

Tlie half-deck extends from the cabin to the main- 



LIFE OF ADMIKAL FAERAGUT. 25- 

mast, and on tlic larboard side, is common to all tlie of- 
ficers, and in warm weatlier is the general reading-room. 
The '■■ waist " is the part before the mainmast, appropria- 
ted to the carpenters, tailors, shoemakers, &c. Next 
comes th« galley, right back of the foremast, which is the 
ship's Jdichcn. In one part is the cooking, which is di- 
vided into three departments, one of which is for the 
captain, and the others for the subordinate officers. The 
back part of the galley is called the " coppers," and be- 
longs to the crew. Upon the sides of the galley are 
tables for the cooks, each having his place, and defended 
against any invasion by his neighbor, often vrith all the 
earnestness, rising sometimes to violence, of tlie most in- 
dignant defender of iiisidtcd honor. 

By quite a natural transition from the kitchen, wo go 
forward of the foremast, and find the farm-yai'd of the 
frigate — the sheep, goats, pigs and poultry — a sight 
which might remind us of Barnum's " Happy Family." 
You will also see pumps for raising the bilge water, salt 
water to wash the ship, and to procure the fresh water 
from below. 

And now we will go down another ladder. Here 
we are on the Icrih deck. Our feet are below water- 
mark, and he v.ho is not foud of hard knocks must look 
out for his head. The after part of the berth deck is oc- , 
cupicd as a mess-room by the lieutenants and other com- 
missioned officers. It is called the wardroom, extends 
2 



2G LITE OF ADMIRAL FxUlKAGUT, 

to a considerable distance forward of the mizzenmast, and 
is separated from the rest of the deck by a bulkhead. It 
has five state-rooms on each side, Avhich, though not very 
large, are sufficiently commodious, and are furnished 
v/ith neat little bureaus at the public expense. Some of 
the officers have them carpeted and fitted up in elegant 
style. • The first lieutenant is entitled to the first state- 
room on the starboard side, and the others follow him in 
the order of their rank. The room on the larboard side, 
corresponding Avith the first lieutenant's, belongs to the 
sailing master, and the purser, surgeon, and chaplain are 
entitled (o loonis receding from his in the order in which 
their names arc here mentioned. 

The wardroom receives its .light priucipally from a 
large skylight overhead. Immediately forv/ard of the 
vrardroom is the steerage, the midshipmen's domicile. 
Thia differs materially in different ships. In some, as in 
the Constellation, it is partitioned off into different mess- 
rooms ; while in otlicrs, as in the Brandywine, it is all 
common, and is separated from the forward part of the 
deck only by a canvas curtain. In the Constellation, as 
already mentioned, there are four mess-rooms, two on 
each side of the ship. They arc each about nine feet by 
seven. The " middies " are not allowed to have trunks 
on board, and the mess-rooms are therefore furnished with 
lockers to supply their i:)lacc. Of these there are two 
kinds, chest lockers and " up and dov/n " lockers. The 



LIFr OF ADMLRAL FAREAGUT. 27 

chest lockers are nothing more llian boxes surrounding 
three sides of the rooms ; the upright ones arc more like 
bureaus, and are much more commodious. 

Time on shipboard is divided inlo watches, and reck- 
oned by bells. Hence you never liear the question, 
" What o'clock? " but " How many bells is it ? " The 
twenty-four hours arc divided into six equal portions, 
called watches. At the end of ihe first hall-hour of one 
of these portions, the bell is struck one ; at the end of the 
second, two ; and so on till the series reaches eight, when 
it commences again. Thus it will be perceived that two 
bells means cither one, five, or nine o'clock ; and five bells 
cither half-past two, six, or tea. In the ship's journals 
the dates are put down according to the common mode of 
^ reckoning time. The division of time into watches dif- 
j fcrs somewhat at sea and in port. In the former case, the 
'•watches are all four hours long, with the exception of two 
in the evening, called dog-watches, from four to six, and 
from six to eight. In port there is but one watcli during 
the day, viz., from eight o'clock a. r.r. to eigl'.t p. ni. The 
uiglit watches are the same as at sea. 

Order is the first great rule on board a man-of-war, 
and that to which all others must bend. It is, in fact, the 
Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the ending, the 
centre and the circumference of lier v/liole internal organ- 
ization. *' To every thing there is a season, and a time 
to every purpose under heaven." From day to day, from 



28 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARRAGUT, 

week to ■week, from month to month, and from year to 
year, the same stroke of the bell is followed by the same 
whistle, the same call, and the recm-rence of the same 
duties. Every thing has its place, too, and must be kept 
in it. 80 true is this, that a person acquainted vrith the 
details of a ship can lay his hand on a given object in any 
part of her, as vrell in the dark as if a thousand suns were 
shining on it. 

" The three grand divisions of the moral elements in 
the naval service are into officers, men, and marines. Of 
the former there are generally about forty, of the second 
somewhat more than three hundred, and of the latter 
thirty-five, more or loss. 

" An anecdote, related by a gentleman in Mahon, is so 
much to the purpose here, that I cannot forbear to repeat 
it. It so happened that one of the men concerned in the 
murder of a French lieutenant Avas a southern negro, 
and a perfect !N'ine\ ite in knowledge. In the course of 
the trial it became necessary for him to take an oath, and 
an oath and the Copernican system were all one to him. 
So the court set about enlightening him. ' Don't you ac- 
knowledge a Supreme Being ? ' ' Supreme Being ! 
massa,' replied Cuff", ' I no stand what he mean.' 
' God, your Creator, the Being who made us all ; don't 
you acknowledge any superior Being?' ' O, yes, massa, 
my Captain.'" 

You smile at the poor African whose thoughts of God 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAKKAGUT. 29 

rose no higher than tho monai'ch of a frigate — kept in 
pagan darkness ; but }'ou will not forget a common 
Father made you to differ in His Providence, and has de- 
clared that " Ethiopia shall stretch forth her hands unto 
God." 



CHAPTER III. 

More about the Men of a Man-of-war— First Lleutenantr— The Purser— The 
Surgeon— The Midshipmen— The Quartermaster— Boatswain— Gunners- 
Mechanics— The Government of the Frigate. 

EXT to the Captain, is the First Lieuteuant in 
rank, whose duties are quite equal in responsi- 
hility to tliose of his superior. He must inspect 
every part of the ship, exercise the men at the 
'^ g"Qf^? H^^ t^i''-t they are neatly and properly clad, 
untl that the liltic Avorld afloat is in })crfcct order. AVhen- 
ever tlic sails are to be reefed in tlic gale, or the anchor 
moved, he liolds the trumpet and issues the command. 
No oificer requires more versatile talent and elevated 
character to fill well his position. 

Tlie Purser keeps llie keys of the treasury, and aU 
the provisions on hoard are in his charge. Surely ho 
ought to be an honest man, or he will speculate out of 
the extensive business in his hands. 

The Surgeon and tv.'o assistant:; are liie medical staff 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAEKAGUT. 31 

ot a frigate. The latter have a position of their own, 
ranking next above the midshipmen. The Surgeon must 
report every morning the number, diseases, and names 
of tlie sick. 

We come now to the rank of David Glascoe 
Faruagut, when his name was enrolled in the list 
of otliccrs connected with the Essex — the midshipman, 
" Young gentlemen," is a naval term applied to the mid- 
shipmen, or, as contracted, " the middies." The number 
of these varies from twelve to upwards of twenty. It 
would he difficult to give any very definite idea of what 
their duties are : for, although an interesting class of of- 
ficers on account of Avhat they are to he, yet in their 
present capacity they do little more than echo the orders 
of their superiors. There is a change, of wind ; the ofii- 
ccr of the deck issues the command to " lay aft to the 
braces." " Lay aft to the biaeos !" cries every midship- 
maa on deck. Tlie wind freshens, so as to make it ne- 
cessary to clew up the mainsail ; " Man the main clue- 
garnet ! " is thundered through the trumpet. "Man the 
main cluc-garnet ! " is instantly repeated by some half 
dozen echoes. However, they have some specific duties. 
They carry messages from the officer of the deck to the 
captain, and in port one of them takes charge of every 
boat that leaves the ship. At sea, seven bells is reported 
to t! :.\ every morning at half-past eleven o'clock, when 
they arc obliged to go ou deck with their quadrants and 



o2 ~ LIFE OF ADJURAL FAERAGUT. 

take tlie sua. They have to work out the last day's run, 
and report the course, distance made good, and ship's 
place at noon each day to the captain. Tiiey muster the 
crew when the watch is called at night. They arc also 
required to keep a journal of the cruise, which is, how- 
ever, only a copy of the ship's log. This is examined 
every few weeks by the commanding ofRcer, and if it 
happens not to be written up when called for, the delin- 
quent is generally punished by a curtailment of some of 
his indulgences. | 

The number of midshipmen and passed midshipmen 
in the navy of the United States is limited to four hun- 
dred and sixty-four. The appointments to the naval 
schools preparatory to this position, are distributed 
among the States and Territories. Each candidate iiiu t 
bs over fourteen, and under eighteen years of age, and a 
resident of tlic Congressional District from wdiich lie h 
sent. Indeed, the regulations in regard to their excin.i- 
nation and admission to the course of study, are similar 
to those which govern the selection of cadets and tb.ir 
entrance into the mihtary academy. The travelling ex- 
penses of the accepted young man arc paid by the G ov- 
ernment from his residence to the school, and five hun- 
dred dollars allowed annually for current expenses. TIio 
course of instruction covers four years, and includes 
mathematics, astronomy, navigation, surveying, ethics, 
I'rench, Spanish, drawing, artillery and infantry tactics, | 



LIFE OF ADMniAL FARKAODT. 33 

seamanship, naval gunnery, the steam engine, and other 
branches of science. 

Besides, during the term of years, two cruises of 
about three months each aro made in a ship-of-war for 
instruction, when the boys have a kind of pleasure excur- 
sion, visiting various ports ftnd getting a taste of salt- 
water life. When they graduate, they receive " war- 
rants as midshipmen," and their rank is according to their 
order of merit. If, after t^s'o years of service from tliis 
time, they pass examination before a board of tliree cap- 
tains and two commanders, for promotion, showing pro- 
ficiency in practical navigation, the nianagement of the 
steam-engine and gunnery, they have warrants as passed, 
midshipmen awarded them, with a larger salary. 

And now the way is fairly open to the '" middies " 
for the higher position of master, lieutcnaut, commander, 
captain, commodore, and admiral. 

When yoimg Farragut entered (he navy there was a 
ehortcr ■\\ ay ; for naval schools in this country vrerc un- 
known. The institution at Annapolis, Maryland, v/as re- 
moved, when the rebellion darkened around it, to New- 
port, Rhode Island, but will probably be soon transferred 
again to the former and original place. 

" The office of quartermaster is one of i-ome dignity 
and considei-ablo importance. Its duties tire not labori- 
ous, but they require vigilance, carefulness, judgment, 
and a thorough acquaintance with practical seamanship. 



&4 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAREAGUT. 






In port onlj one of them keeps watch on deck at a time. 
You may know liim by liis spy-glass, and his busy, bus- 
tling air. He is all eye and all locomotion. He cocks 
his telescope at c^ery new object that appears, and gives 
il a thorough scrutiny. It is his duty to keep a look-out 
for signals from other ships, and to report them to the 
officer of the deck ; and also to report to him all boats 
that come alongside, and all other movements and occui*- 
reuces in the harbor which he may deem of sufficient im- 
portance. At sea, two of the quartermasters are requir- 
ed to be on deck during the day, and half of them at 
night. One is stationed at the wheel to steer the ship, 
and the others keep a look-out as in port. When the log 
is thrown, they hold the minute glass. They have to 
strike the bell every half hour, and take turns in mixing I 
and serving the grog. In entering and leaving a harbor, 
when it is necessary to sound, one of them is stationed in 
each of the main-chains to heave the lead. AH the colors 
and signals are under their charge. 

" The boatswain, gunner, carpenter, and sailmaker, 
form a distinct class of officers, called forward officers. 
The boatswain is charged with the rigging of the ship, 
and in port attends to squaring the yards. You may 
know him by his silver Vv'histle, rattan cane, and above 
all, by the ruddy hues of his countenance, and the odious 
vapors that issue frona his mouth. The gunner has 
charge of tljc ]"<iililary stores, and, v.'hcn all hands are 



LE?E OF ADMLRAL FAEEAGUT. 35 

called ofF, of the main rigging. The carpenter is responsi- 
I ble for the stores belonging to his department, and super- 
intends the corking of the ship and other Avork performed 
by his subalterns. The sailmaker is charged with the 
sails, hammocks, and generally all the canvas in the 
ship. At sea he is obliged to go aloft on each of the 
three masts, examine the condition of the sails, and 
report it to the first lieutenant every morning before 
breakfast. 

" Each of the boatswain's mates has a silver v/histle 
suspended from his neck, with which he echoes the orders 
of his superiors. He lias a difierent pipe for almost eveiy 
important order that can be given. For instance, there 
is one for calhug all hands, another for hoisting away, a 
third for hauling taught and belaying, and so on of others. 
Amid the darkness and fuiy of the tempest, when the 
orders of tlie trumpet are drov/ned by the loud uproar of 
the elements, the shrill pipe of the boatswain's whistle 
reaches the ear of the sailor on the top of the highest 
mast, and no language could convey to him a more defi- 
nite meaning than its well-known tones. The duty of tlic 
qnarter-grmners is to keep the guns and all other things 
belonging to the gunner's department in proper order. 
They have to inspect the gams frequently to cee that every 
thing about them is v/ell secured, and at night report 
their condition to the officer of the deck evciy two hours. 
* When all hands are called to reef or furl sails, the 



36 LIFE OF AUMIEAL FAERAGUT. 

quarter-guuncrs and quartermasters are charged with the 
mainyard. The armorer is the ship's blacksmith. The 
cooper opens the provision barrels when their contents 
are wanted, and performs other matters in his line of 
business, when necessary. The duties of a cook are 
somewhat arduous, and it reqixires a good deal of patience 
and care to perform them acceptably to the crew. The 
meals must always be reported "ready" at seven bells, 
morning, noon, and night. At noon, when dinner is re- 
ported ready, the cook takes a specimen to the officer of 
the deck, who inspects it to see th.at it is properly cooked. 
The cockswain is designed for the captain's boat, but 
our commanders sometimes select a quartermaster or 
other trustworthy person to perforni the duties of cock- 
swain. There are two other subordinates who have not 
even the rank of petty ofRcers. They are the sliip's 
corporals. Tiicy take turns in keeping watch at night 
on the gun-deck, and their duty is to see that no light 
is burning in any part of the ship where it is not 
allowed. They make an hourly report to the olficer of 
the deck. 

'• In regard to the rest of the crew, the seamen generally 
compose about one-half. Those of this rank must l)a\e 
seen a good deal of sea service, and are supposed to be 
thoroughly acquainted with practical navigation. If they 
are found to be greatly deficient in this respect, they are 
degraded. They recei\e twelve dollars per month, and 



LIFE OF ADMIKAL FAKRAGUT. 37 

are appointed to the most honorable and responsible sta- 
tions in the ship. They have a good deal of" the pride 
of profession, entertaining the utmost contempt for all 
■\vho do not know vrhat salt v. ater and hca-vy gales are. 
The ordinary seamen receive ten dollars per month. 
They must have had some experience in naval matters, 
but arc neitlicr expected nor required to be finished sailors. 
Promotions from the rank of ordinary seamen to that of 
seamen ai-e not frequent. 

" There vras no part of the system on board a man- 
of-war that interested me more than the distribution of 
power, and tlic complete subordination of rank. Persona 
have no idea of the perfection of military government. 
Every officer in the navy can say to every one below 
him, " Go," and he goeth, and " Do this," and he doeth. 
There is no quibbling or higgling about the matter at all, 
his vv'ill and pleasure are in the place of all argument. 
Not only is the captain of a public vessel supreme, bat 
[ every other officer is in some sense a despot ; for where 
i he gives an order to an inferior officer or man, it must 
j be obeyed, though it contradict a previous order received 
I from a superior. The officer who gives the last order is 
in that case responsible for the disobedience of the first. 
I I recollect a fact which will serve to illustrate this prin- 
ciple. The first lieutenant of one of our ships had given 
orders to a' tailor not to do any work for the midshipmen 
without liis permission, at the same time sending word to 



38 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARRAGUT, 

the midshipman to that effect. One of them, who hap- 
pened to be absent from the ship at the time, a few days" 
after Avished lo have some garment repaired, and ordered 
the tailor to do it. He ixfused. The midshipman in- 
sisted, and the worthy linight of the goose stoutly per- 
sisted in his refusal. The spirited young officer reported 
him to the first lieutenant, who had him flogged for dis- 
obedience." 

There is another thing on shipboard which will in- 
terest you — the signals. If one vessel wishes to hold 
conversation with another at a distance, a flag is raised 
with certain figures upon it, which refer to words in the 
signal-book. If a commander desires to invite the officer 
of a ship in sight of his own to dine with him at a given 
hour, he has only to put out the flag with the right 
figures, and the invited captain turns to his book and 
finds the words, till he spells out the friendly message, 
and then answers in the same way. Such, in a general 
view, is the round of activity on board of a frigate, 
and you can see just where young Farragut had his post 
of duty when a mere boy. But he started right, showing 
no disposition to chafe against the stern restraints of 
naval command. Cheerful subjection to authority was 
the first and most important lesson, the grand step in the 
life-march of a noble ambition. 



1 



CHAPTER IV. 

Midshipman Fnrragut at Sea — Tlie Americsiu Navy at that time — Tlic 'War with 
England — The Essex — Her first Crulpe. 

nHE delay attending Midsliipmivn p'arragut's ap- 
}v\ poliitmcnt brought his entrance upon life in the 
navy -within a few montlis of the second war 
Avith England. The year 1811 was a period of 
comparative quiet in our small naval force, and, 
excepting the novelty of hid new experience, and tlie prac- 
tical lessons he was learning, had nothing to make it 
memorable. 

The United States navy "vvas reduced to twenty vessels 
and a few gunboats. Two of these were not seaworthy ; 
and another, the Oneida, was on Lake Ontario ; leaving 
only seventeen ships of war, in 1812, to defend the nation- 
al rights upon the ocean. The names of the vessels were : 



Constitution, 


4-1 gUD3. 


Congress, 


. 38 gui 


President, 


44 " 


Constellation, 


38 '• 


United States. . 


. 44 " 


Cliesapo.iko, . 


. ;iy " 



40 Ln^\E OF ADMmAL FAEKAGCT. 



Now York, . 


86 guns. 


Argus, , 


10 gUU3. 


Essex, 


. G-2 " 


Pireu, . , 




Adams, 


2S " 


Oneida, 




Boston, . 


. 2S " 


Tixen, 




Joim Ad:xm>, 


28 " 


Enterprise, . 




Wasp, . 


. 13 " 


Nautilus, . 




Iloniet, 


13 " 


Viper, . 





The gimboals M'liich '• first appeared afloat in 1805 " 
oil our waters carried one and two guns. In April, 180G, 
fifty of them were ordered b}' a hiw of Congress. 

This means of warfare \\c employed in the cannonad- 
ing of Tripoli in 180 1, obtaining them from Naples ; but 
on account of their imperfection, we built some of our OAvn. 
They would look like toys beside the iron-clads of modern 
invention, and very soon disappear before the hcaAy shot 
of these mailed leviathans of the deep. 

Do you afjk " Why was our navy so weak ? " It was 
strange indeed that the Government, after tlic experience 
of three conflicts, reddening the sea with the blood of our 
heroic tarn, should neglect this arm of the service, till wo 
had the mere fragment of a navy nc^'cr large, with which 
to meet the uneasy, threatening monarchies of Europe. 
"We had fought victoriously, betv/een 1776 and 1806, 
England, France, and the Barbary States. Then the ex 
hauslion of strength and political strife almost paralyzed 
Government, just Avhen the greatest preparations for ag- 
gressions and united vigilance, were needed. We had of 



LrFK OF ADMIRAL FAKRAGUT. 41 

ficers equal in ability and successful valor to any ia the 
world ; but they were worthless without ships of war. 

Just at (his crisis, when Farragut consecrated his 
young life to the country on the sea, the signs of another 
conflict with England gave a new impulse to the declining 
strength of the navy. And that you may understand 
more fully the exciting period in American history which 
stirred the loyal spirit of the sailor boy, and also the feel- 
ing and course of England v.hich has been again apparent 
in the rebellion now closed, I will add a statement of the 
causes of the renewed appeal to arms so soon after the 
Revolutionary "War. 

Great Britain had lavished men and money in the ter- 
rible struggle with France, and become weakened by the 
losses sustained. " Her war-ships stretched from Copen- 
hagen to the Nile, and to supply these with seamen she 
resorted to impressment, not only on her own shores, 
amid her own subjects, but on American ships, among 
American sailors. Our mercliant vessels were arrested 
on the high seas, and men, on the groundless charge of 
being deserters, immediately coerced into the British ser- 
vice. To such an extent was this carried that in nine 
montlis of the years 1796 and '97 Mr. King, the Ameri- 
can Minister at London, had made application for the re- 
lease of two hundred and seventy-one seamen, most of whom 
were Americar citizens. 

"At first the British Government claimed only the right 



4:2 LIFE OF ADMIEAL FAliRAGUT. 

to seize tleserters ; but its necessities demanding a broad- 
er application to right of search, her vessels of war ar- 
rested American merchantmen to seek for British seamen, 
and later still for British subjects ; finally every sailor 
was obliged to prove himself a citizen of the United 
States oa the spot, or he was liable to be forced into Brit- 
ish service. American merchants were thus injured 
-svhile prosecuting a lawful commerce, and, worse than all, 
great distress was visited on the friends and relatives of 
those who were illegally torn from their country and 
pressed into the hated service of a hated nation. Over 
six thousand were knov/n to have been thus seized, while 
the actual number was much greater. 

" Not couteut with committing these outrages on the 
liigh seas, English vessels boarded our merchantmen and 
impressed our seamen in our own waters. That line 
which runs parallel to the seacoast of every nation, and 
which is considered its le^timate boundary, presented no 
obstacles to British cruisers. 

" In 1804 the frigate Cambria boarded an American 
merchantman in the harbor of New York, and in direct 
opposition to the port ofiicers carried off several of her 
seamen. To complete the insult, the commander de- 
clared, iu an ollicial letter to the British minister, that he 
' considered his ship, Avhile lying iu the harbor of New 
York, as having dominion around her within the distance 
of her buoys.' Not long after a coasting vessel, while 



LIFE OF ADMIEAL FAEEAGUT. 43 

going from oue Amei-ican port to iinothcr, was liailcd "by 
a British cruiser, and, refusing to stop, was fired into and 
one of her crew killed. Thus an American citizen was 
murdered within a mile of shore, and while going from 
port to port of his own country. 

" These aggressions on laud and insults at sea cou- 
thiued, at intervals, down to 180G, when ovir coramerec 
received a more deadly blow from the British orders in 
council, and Napoleon's iamous Berlin and Milan decrees. 
To annoy and cripple her adversary, England declared 
the whole coast of France, from Brest to the Elbe, 
in a state of blockade. The next year the English Gov- 
ernment issued other orders in council, blockading the 
whole Continent, which were met by Napoleon's Milan 
decree. These famous oi-ders in council, so far as they 
aifected us, declared all American vessels going to and 
from the harbors of France and her allies, lawful prizes, 
except such as had at first touched at an English port, or 
allowed themselves to be searched by a British cruiser, 
the property of France, v.hile British goods, wherever 
found, were subject to confiscation. In short, if we did 
not confine our commerce to England, the latter would 
seize our merchantmen Avherever ibund, as lawful prizes ; 
while, if we did trade with her, or even touch at her 
ports at all, France claimed them as her property." 

Our men-of-war were compelled to look silently ou 
and see American merchantmen seized, while both France 



44 LIFJE OF ADMIExiL FxUJEAGUT. 

and England claimed the right to plunder us. Our com 
merce for the last few years had advanced with un- 
paralleled strides, so that at this time our canvas whitened 
almost every sea on the globe, and wealth was pouring 
into the nation. Suddenly, as if the v.hole world, with- 
out any forewarning, had declared war against us, the 
ocean v.as covered with cruisers after American vessels, 
and the commerce of the country Avaa paralyzed by a 
single blow. These w^erc the prominent causes of the 
war, sufficiGnt, one would think, to justify the American 
Government in declaring it. One hundi-edth pai-t of the 
provocation vv'hich we then endured, Avould now bring the 
two Governments in immediate and fierce collision. In 
1794, Washington, in a letter to Mr. Jay, after speaking 
of the retention of posts vvliich the British Government 
had, by treaty, ceded to us, and of the conduct of its 
agents in stirring up the Indians to hostilities, says : 
" Can it be expected, I ask, so long as these things arc 
known in the United States, or, at least, firmly believed, 
and suffered with impunity by Great Britain, that there 
ever will or can be any cordiality between the two 
countries ? I answer, Ko. And I will undertake, with- 
out the gift of prophecy, to predict that it will be impos- 
sible to keep this country in a state of amity v^'ith Great 
Britain long, if those posts are not surrendered." Still 
later, Jefferson, writing home from England, says : "In 
spito of treaties, England is our enemr. Her hatred is 



LU^E OF ADMIEAL FAERAGUT. 45 

deep-rooted and cordial, aud nothing with her is wanted 
but power to wi])e us and the h\nd we live in out of ex- 
istence." 

Notwithstanding all these insults aud aggressions, the 
Government earnestly desired and souglit to avoid a 
second conflict with England. The country had seen 

i enougli of war, aud was beginning to feel anew the 
bounding pidsc of returning health and prosperity. This 
hesitation emboldened the enemy, as our forbearance with 

j the rebels iit the beginning of the late revolt encouraged^ 
them, and the words and acts of contempt became the 
more bitter and undisguised. It is very striking that the 
immediate occasion of hostilities should forcibly remind us 
of more recent revelations of foreign aid in the conspiracy 
against the American Repubdic AVrites our great naval 
historian, Mr. Cooper: "In llie v>iater of 1812, a plot 
on the part of English agents to sever the American 
Union, v/as revealed to the Government; and, at a later 
day, the determination of the English ministry to adhere 
to her orders iu council, was formally communicated to 
the President. At the same time the claim to in^prcss 
English seamen out of American ships on the high seas 
Avas maintained iu theory, while in practice the outrage 
Vv-as constantly extended to natives ; the boai'ding officers 
acting, in eflcct, on the unjust and perfectly illegal prin- 
ciple, that tlie seaman who failed to prove that he was an 
American, should be seized as un Englishman. Owing 



46 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAKEAGUT. 

to llieso united causes, Congress formally declared war 
against the king of Great Britain, on Ihe 18th of June, 
1812. 

" At the moment when this important intelligence was 
made public, nearly all of the little American marine 
were either in port or were cruising in the immediate 
vicinity of the coast. But a single ship, the Wasp, 
eighteen guns, Captain Jones, was on foreign service, and 
she was on her return fron> Europe Vv'ith despatches. It 
is, however, some proof that the Government expected 
nothing more from its navy than a few isolated exploits 
that could produce no great influence on the main results 
of the contest, that the force the country actually possess- 
ed was not collected and ordered to act in a body during 
the short period that it would possess the advantage of 
assailing the enemy, while the latter v>'as ignorant of the 
existence of hostilities. A squadron of three twenty-four- 
pounder frigates, of as many eightcen-pounder vessels of 
the same class, and of eight or ten smaller cruisers, all 
effective, well manned, and admirably officered, might 
have beeu assembled with a due attention to preparation. 
The enemy had but one two-decker, an old sixty-four, on 
the American coast, and the force just mentioned was 
quite sufficient to have blockaded both Halifax and Ber- 
muda for a month, or imtil the English received intelli- 
gence of the war, and had time to recnforce from the 
AYest Indies. But the declaration of war did not find 



LIFE OF ADMIKAL FAKKAGUT. 4T 

the littlo marine of America iu a condition to act in a 
combined, intelligent, and military manner. The vessels 
were scattered, some were undergoing repairs, otliers 
■were at a distance, and with the exception of one small 
squadron, every thing was virtually committed to the 
activity, judgment, and enterprise of the different cap- 
tains. Information had been received of the sailing of a 
large fleet of Jamaica-men, under protection of a strong 
force, and these vessels would naturally be s^vccping 
along the American coast, in the Gulf Stream. It was 
determined to make a dash at this convoy — as judicious 
a plan, under the circumstances, as could then have been 
adopted. Within an hour after he had received official 
information of the declaration of war, together Aviih hid 
orders. Commodore Rodgers, of the President, in New 
York harbor, -svas imder Avay." 

The squadron hearing, off Sandy Ilook, June 2.1st, 
from an American vessel, that the Jamaica ships had 
been seen, crowded sail in pursuit. vSoon the Hist-sailing 
President shot ahead of the rest of the fleet, and at 4 
o'clock p. M. was within gun range of the enemy. The 
wind then fell, giving the lighter Englishmen the advan- 
tage ; and fearing they might get away. Commodore 
Rodgers determined to cripple them by opening fire. 
With his own hand he sent the first shot of the v>-ar into 
a hostile ship. After a severe cannonade for tlu'cc hours, 
during which the forecastle was blov/n up by a bursting 



4:8 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARKACIL-T. 

gun, thiowiug Commodore Roclgers into tlie air, aud 
breaking a leg in the iall, the contest was abandoned, 
because the Jamaica vessels kept too i'ar ahead for the 
President's guns. Several men were killed on both sides — 
the baptism of blood upon tlse naval arena of warfare 
with haughty, boastful England. 

The war, wliich was to be fought largely upon the 
sea, was noAV fah-ly opened. Our war-ships began to 
move at different points along the coast. Among the 
frigates honored Viith an early and conspicuous part in 
the strife was tlie Essex ; and as our hero spent two 
years of his early youth under her pennant, and that, too, 
during time of war, you will like to know something of 
her history. The Essex was laimched in 1799. This 
vessel was a frigate of twenty-six guns, called long 
twelves, but before the war, in their places, she mounted 
thirty-two p'ouud carrouadcs ; a short cannon designed to 
throw heavy projectiles for breaking in, rather than 
piercing a ship's side, or other object at whicli it is aimed, 
and so called from Carron in Scotland, where they were 
first made. She was the first American man-of-war to 
carry the flag of the service east of the Cape of Good Hope, 
and was commanded by the brave Preble, lie was after- 
wards commodore, as was his siiccest-or in the command 
of the Essex, tiie gallant Bainbridgc, under Avhom the 
Essex shared in the Tripolitan war. "When the President 
sailed, the Essex was lying in the liarbor of New York. 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAKEAGUT. 4:9 

The Constitution, of forty-four guns, Captain Hull, had 
gone to the Chesapeake, and soon after had her splendid 
and famous chase with the English fleet, of which the 
leading vessels were the Guerriere and Shannon. 



CHAPTER V. 



The Essex on the Ocean-plain of Conflict— A Prizo — Midshipman Farragut— A 
Battle and a Victory — Naval Operations in other Quarters — The Essex 
ordered on a long Cruise— The Preparation— At Sea again. 



, OON after Commodore Rodgers found the English 
fleet, Captain Porter left his moorings in New 
York for a prize hunt to tlic southward of the 
Grand Banks. How proudly, gladly, the ship's 
crew gazed upward to tlie national ensign, and 
out upon the wide and watery phiin of conflict witli the 
most pov/erful navy in the world ! No hearts beat with 
wilder enthusiasm than those of the "middies;" and of 
this company of " yoimg gentlemen," David G. Farragut, 
then eleven years of age, had no superior in manly, heroic 
spirit, panting to meet the enemy. See how closely the 
horizon is scanned for a sail spread over a hostile deck, 
or, at least, a lawful prize ! At length one is visible, and 
the helm is turned to keep the prow toward the stranger. 
The Essex cuts the blue waters, sweeping down upon the 



f 



LIFE OF ADMLR.1L FARKAGUT. 51 

unarmed trader. The sixmmons to suiTender rings out 
on the air, and the sight of the grim ordnance enforces 
the demand. A ihw moments later the captured craft, if 
not worth the trouble of keeping, is in flames, the crew 
prisoners of v/ar, and again the frigate goes before the 
wind in search of another prize, until several have been 
taken, and the most of them left in charred fragments 
upon the waves. This v.as in July, 1812. A change in 
the weather drove the Essex northvrard, v»hcre for weeks 
she sought her foe. 

At length the monotonous and tiresome scenes of 
fruitless search were changed. The clear soft niglit of 
early autumn was lit up with a " dull moon." The 
Essex floated upon the tide bathed in the " misty 
beams," which were reflected from the canvas tips of the 
rigging and the waters. It was a bcautifvd midnight 
scene. The " middies" were in their hammocks, and 
no signs of strife in the elements or among the crew 
were visible. Nature seemed reposing upon the bosom 
of infinite love. The watcli was set, and scanned in vain 
the horizon's rim. The bells had softly proclaimed tho 
morning, when there v/as a sudden start of interest among 
die Avakeful few on the good ship. "Sail ho!" were 
the joyful words spoken v.'ith the animation that tells 
of the electric thrill Avhich the prospect of a " lively 
time " sends through the heart of the mariner, among the 
silent cannon that girdle the deck of a man-of-war. Aa 



52 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAKEAGUT. 

English fleet was marching over the dim sea northward, 
and tlie same wind which filled its sails bore toward it the 
Essex, impatient to reach the unsuspecting enemy. Upon 
approaching the fleet, it was seen that " the English were 
sailing in \ery open order, with considerable intervals 
between them, and tliat the convoying ship, a large ves- 
st'.l, was some distance ahead, and, of course, to the lee- 
v/ard." The convoy is an armed ship for the protection 
of the vessels which it attends. The leeward is that di- 
rection toward which the wind blows. This position of 
the fleet decided Captain Porter to disguise the frigate, 
and reach the " sternraost ship of the strangers," to as- 
certain who they were, without exciting suspicion. The 
men of the Essex were at their guns, and every thing ^^•a3 
ready for a fight. The morning had yet scarcely flushed 
the east, but there were nov.' no sleepers on board. 
Every sailor-boy was at his post, but all whose presence 
v/ould intimate the character of the cruiser were con- 
cealed, and their lower ports in. Soon the American 
frigate spoke the first ship, and Captain Porter learned 
that the fleet consisted of a few transports accompanied 
by a frigate and bomb-vessel. He then determined to 
get alongside of the British frigate, and get possession ] 
of her by surprise. Shooting ahead, the Essex came up 
to another transport and hud further conversation, which 
eo far awakened alarm, that the ofilcer in command de- 
clared his intention to signal to the convoy that a stranger 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAKKAGUT. 53 

had joined the fleet. Disguise was no longer advisable^ 
and throwing it aside, Captain Porter gave the Eng- 
lishman to understand that silence and retiring from 
company to follow him, would alone save her from 
the metal of his oarronades. All this was so quietly 
done that the prize was secured without exciting suspi- 
cion of what was transpiring in the rest of the fleet. 
The captured vessel contained one hundred and fifty 
troops. Before these could be removed and secured, the 
morning light rendered the designed attack on the convoy 
too doubtful an experiment to be attempted. This ter- 
minated the exciting moonlight chase, the first after a 
fleet with armed vessels, which had enlivened the decks 
of the Essex, and given a fair prospect to the " middies" 
of smelling powder. 

A few days later the frigate discovered " a strange 
sail to the windward." The Essex was again concealed 
by a disguise. Her appearance was that of an unoffend- 
ing merchantman on her way to some commercial port. 
Her gun-deck ports were in, " the topgallant masts housed, 
and the sails trimmed in a slovenly manner." Com- 
pletely deceived by the harmless aspect of the stranger, 
the English ship sailed before the wind without a sign of 
fear, and consequently of preparation. Captain Porter, 
upon her approach, showed his ensign and kept out of his 
pursuer's way. This afiected alarm emboldened the 
enemy, who, setting British colors, opened fire. It was 



54: LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARKAGUT. 

now tlio (uni of the Essex to show herself. The porta 
were cleared, and her carronadcs i-cplicd to the ordnance 
of England. What a moment was that to the niidship- 
mau Avho had.ncxer bcfoi'e even v.-itnefsed a na\'al en- 
gagement ! Th.c frigate trembles to the discharge of her 
thirty-two pomidcrs, and their smoke curls upward tow- 
ard thie streaming pennant. After the second broadside, 
the Englishmen deserted their guns and ran below. In 
eight minutes after the Esses fired the enemy struck, and 
Captain Porter sent Lieutenant Finch on board to tako 
possession of her. The prize was His Britannic Majesty's 
ship Alert, mounting twenty eighteen-pouudcr carronadcs. 
Although the Alert was inferior in armament to tlie 
Essex, this first capture of a man-of-war since lioslilities 
commenced, wounded the pride of England, and en- 
couraged this country, because it shov.'ed to boili that 
the boasted and arrogant claim of the mother country to 
supremacy on the seas, might be an exaggerated impres- 
sion, alter all. Finding that the large number of prison- 
ers taken contemiilated mutiny in case 'another cngagc- 
inent atlbrded tlic opportunity, Captain Porter succeeded 
in making an arrangement with the commanding ofhccr 
of the Alert, to send the frigate as a cartel to St. John's ; 
i. e. a ship of truce, carrying prisoners or despatches, 
and exempt from capture. Continuing her cruise south- 
ward of the Grand Banks, the Essex fell in -with hostile 
frigates, and repeated the almost successful game with the 



L-lFfi OF ADMIRAL FAKKAGUT. 55 

convoy a short time before. Having done nobly in lier 
first cruise of tire war, she returned to moorings in the 
Dcla-ivare to get fresh supplies, and await further orders 
from (he Government. The Aveeks in port passed sv/iftly 
by ; the officers and crew visiting the shore, and sharing in 
the social life and change of scene, the seamen for awhile so 
intensely enjoy. The longing for active service, hovrevcr, 
returns, and the orders to prcpai'c for a voyage again was 
hailed by the people of the Essex. The fresh start for 
distant -seas I will gixc you in the words of the brave 
commander's journal, in which will be found the name of 
David G. FAiiRAGUx. I shall quote the names of the 
officers only, down to the " Boy ; " and from the record of 
the voyage, to thojirst bird. Writes Captain Porter : 

" October 6, 1812. — I received orders from Commo- 
dore ^Villiam Bainbridgc to prepare the Essex for a long 
cruise, and on the day following received his final instruc- 
tions, appointing places of rendezvous, and the next day 
a copy of his orders from the honorable Secretary of tlic 
Navy. 

" I consequently directed the ship to be furnished with 
every requisite supply of stores, etc. ; ordered for her a 
new suit of sails and standing rigging ; took out the bow- 
sprit and fished it, and put licr in the best possible state 
for service, taking in as much provisions as she could 
stow, and providing oursel\C3 with a double supply of 
clothing, and fruit, vegetables, and lime juice as antiscor- 



56 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAEEAGUT. 

butics. I also gave tli3 officers and men intimation of 
the probable length of our cruise, in order that they might 
supply themselves with such comforts as their means 
would admit of, they having recently been paid a propor- 
tion of the prize-money for the last cruise, and advanced 
the officers three months' pay. They accordingly fur- 
nished themselves with stock, vegetables, and other stores, 
in as large quantities as could be stowed away, and on 
the afternoon of the 28th we left the Capes of Delaware, 
with the wind from the northward, which gradually 
hauled around to the westward, blowing fresh, with thick 
weather, so that it was AAith difficulty we were enabled to 
weather the dangerous shoals of Chincoteague. 

" Prior to the pilot's leaving us, I caused him to de- 
liver into my possession all letters which might have been 
given him by the crew, apprehensive that, from some ac- 
cidental cause, they might have become possessed of a 
knowledge of our destination. They all, howe\er, con- 
tained only conjectures, except one, the writer of which 
asserted, as he stated, from good authority, that we Avere 
bound on the coast of Africa. As some of their conjec- 
tures were not far from being correct, I thought it best to 
destroy the whole of them, and forbid the pilot's taking 
any more without my consent. To the officers who were 
desirous of writing to their friends, I enjoined particularly 
not to mention the movements of the ship in any way. 

" On the morning of the 29th, the wind hauled around 



LITE OF ADMIRAL FAKRAGUT. 5T 

to the westward, antl iucrcased to a gale. Got the Eliip 
undei' snug sail, and secured our masts, by setting up the 
rigging, v.liich being new, liad stretched considerably. 
The ship being very deep, we found her imusually labor- 
some and uncomfortable ; her straining, occasioned by her 
deep rolling, opened her water-ways, and kept the Ijcrlh- 
deck full of water, damaged a great deal of our provisions 
stowed on it, and wet all the bedding and clothes of the 
crew ; found also the coal-hole full of water ; found a. 
leak somewhere between tlie cutwater and stem, but iu 
other respects the ship was tight ; for, after scuttling the 
berth-deck and bulklicad of the coal-hole, we coidd easily 
keep her free by pumping a few minutes every two hours. 
" Previous to leaving the river the crew had been put 
on allowance of half a gallon of water each man per day j 
and being desirous of making our provisions hold out as 
long as possible, having vicAvs, at the same time, with re- 
gard to the healtJi of the crew, I caused the allowance of 
bread to be reduced one-half, and issued, in lieu of the re- 
mainder, half a pound of potatoes, or the same quantity 
of apples. Every other article of pro\ isions was reduced 
one-third, excepting rum, of which the full allowance was 
served out raw to the cook of each mess (the crew being- 
divided into messes of eight, and a cook allowed to each), 
who was accountable for its faithful distribution. For 
the undrawn provisions, the purser's steward was directed 
to issue due-bills, with assurances on my part that tlicy 
8* 



58 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAEKAGUT, 

should be paid the amount on our arrival in port. Orders 
were given to lose no opportunity of catching rain-water 
for the stock, of which we had a large quantity on board, 
every mess in the ship being supplied Avith pigs and 
poultry. The allowance of candles was reduced one-hulf, 
and economy established respecting tho consumption of 
wood and the expenditure of the ship's stores. Habits 
of cleanliness and care with respect to clothing were 
strongly recommended to the officers s.nd crew. I now 
gave a general pardon for all offences committed on 
board ; recommended tho strictest attention to the disci- 
pline of the ship ; held out prospects of reward to those who 
should be vigilant in the performance of their duty, and 
gave assurances that the first man I was under the neces- 
sity of punishing should receive three dozen lashes ; ex- 
pressing a hope, however, that punishment during the 
cruise Avould be altogether unnecessary. I dii'ectcd, as a 
standing regulation, that the ship should be fumigated in 
every part every morning, by pouring vinegar on a red- 
hot shot, and confided to Lieutenant Finch the superin- 
tendence of the bcrlli-decli, in order to preserve it in a 
cleanly and wholesome state. Lime being provided in 
tight casks, for the purpose of white-washing, and sand 
for dry-rubbing it, and orders given not to wet it if there 
should be a possibility of avoiding it, a comfortable place 
was fitted up for the accommodation of the sick on tho 
berth-deck ; elects were put up for slinging as many ham- 



LITE OF ADMIEAL FARKAGUT. 59 

mocks as possible on the gun-deck ; and orders given that 
no wet clothes or wet pro^asions should be permitted to 
remain on the berth-deck, nor the crew be permitted to 
eat anywhere but on Ihe gun-deck, except in bad weather. 
Having established the above and other regulations as 
regarded the health and comfort of the crow, I exhorted 
the officers to keep them occupied constantly during work- 
ing hours in some useful employment, and directed that 
two hours between four and six o'clock in the afternoon, 
should be allowed to them for amusement, v/hen the duties 
of the ship would admit. 

"The 30th was devoted entirely to airing the bedding', 
drying the clothing of the crew that v/as wet during the 
gale, getting the berth-deck in the most comfortable state, 
exercising the crew at the great guns, and putting the ship 
in Ihe best state for service. We found the powder in sev- 
eral of our guns wet, all of whlcli v,-e reloaded, and more 
carefully secured. 

" Pre--, ious to leaving the Delaware Vvx landed at the 
hospital those m^en whose health I did not conceive would 
enable them to stand the fatigues of the cruise. As they 
Iiad most of them been a long time on the surgeon's list, 
and were considered incurable, I believed it advisable not 
to take them to sea. 

" My crew at the time of ray departure consisted of 
the following persons : 



GO LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAERAGUT, 

Ab. 2^'atncs. EanTc. 

2. John Do wncs Ist Lieutenant. 

3. James V. Wilmcr 2d " 

4. James Wilson Sd " 

5. William Finch Acting 4th Lieut. 

0. Stephen D. M'Knight " 5th " 

7. John G. Cowell Sailing-master. 

S. Robert Miller Surgeon. 

y. David P. Adams Chaplain. 

10. John R. Shaw Purser. 

1 1 . William IL Iladdlway Midshipman. 

12. David G. Farragut " 

13. Richard Dashiell 

14. John S. Cowan " 

15. Charles T. Clark 

16. William H. Odenheimer " 

1 7. Ilenry W^. Ogdeu " 

1 8. Henry Gray " 

ID. George W. Isaacs " 

20. William W. Feltus 

21. Thomas A, Conover " 

22. David Tittermary " 

23. Richard K. Hoffman Acting Sur. mate, 

24. Alexander M. Montgomery " 

25. Edward Linscott Boatswain. 

2o. Lawrence Miller Gunner. 

27. John S. Waters Carpenter. 

28. David Navarro Sailmaker. 

29. W. AV. Bostwick Captain's clerk. 

30. WDIiam P. Pierce Master's mate. 

31. James Terry ". " 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL rAREAGUT. CI 

^'ame^. Jianh. 

Thomas Bclclicr Boatswain's mate. 

Joseph Uawlcy " 

Wilham Kingsbury " 

George Martin Gunner's mate. 

James Spafford " 

John Langley Carpenter's mate. 

Bonnet Field Armorer. 

George Kcusinger, jr Master-at-arms. 

John Adams , Cooper. 

John Francis Coxswain. 

Thomas Coleman Steward. 

John Iladen Cook. 

Thomas Bailey Boatswain's yeom'n. 

Thomas Edwards Gunner's yeoman. 

Benjamin Wodden Carpenter's yeoman. 

James Rynard Quartermaster. 

Francis Bland " 

William Gardner " 

John Mallet " 

Robert Dunn " 

John Thompson " 

Isaac Valance " 

Benjamin Geers Quarter-gunuer. 

Adam Roach *' 

James Steady " 

Leonard Green " 

James Marshall " 

Edwin Sellman " 

neun- Stone *' 

Henry Ruff Boy. 



LIFE OF ADTVIIEAL FAERAGUT. 



RECAPITULATION. 



1 Captain, 

5 Lieutenants, 

1 Lieutenant of Marines, 

1 Sailing-master, 

1 Chaplain, 

1 Purser, 

1 Surgeon, 

2 Surgeon's mates, 
12 Midshipmen, 

1 Boatswain, 
1 Gunner, 
1 Carpenter, 
1 Sailmaker, 

1 Captain's clerk, 

2 Master's mates, 

8 Boatswain's mates, 
2 Gunner's mates, 
1 Carpenters mate, 
1 Armorer. 



1 Master-at-arms, 

1 Steward, 

1 Coxswain, 

1 Cooper, 

1 Cook, ' 

1 Boatswain's yeoman, 

1 Gunner's yeoman, 

1 Carpenter's yeoman, 
T Quartermasters, 

Y Quarter-gunners, 

2 Sergeants, 
2 Corporals, 
1 Drummer, 
1 Fifer, 

25 Private mai'ines, 
227 Seamen, ordinary seamen, 
landsmen, boys, and super- 

numeraries. 

319 Total 



" On the 2d of November tlie weather began to grow 
more moderate, in consequence of which we got up from 
below all the bread and vegetables stowed on the berth- 
deck, for the purpose of separating the damaged from the 
rest. Found about four barrels of bread entirely spoiled, 
and the same quantity of apples. All the barrels were 
wet ; we therefore started the whole of them, dried the 
provisions, repacked and stov/ed them away to more ad- 
vantage, securing them against further damage from leaks 



LIFE OP ADMIRAL FARRAGUT. 63 

by covering them witli tarpaulins ; also, cut tv/o scuttles 
in the berth-deck to carry off such water as might enter 
by the leaks in the waterways, stem, and down the hatch- 
ways ; also, took advantage of tlie good weather to fleet 
and set up our main rigging, to render the masts more se- 
cure ; unbent the fore-topsail, which was injured by cha- 
fing, and bent another. 

" Having had favorable winds since our departure, we 
this day fomid ourselves in the latitude of 3G° 7' north ; 
longitude, by dead reckoning, 58° 54' west ; but with a 
view of getting into a latitude where we might expect 
more moderate weather, as well as to cross the track of 
vessels bound from England to Bermudas, and those from 
the TVest Indies to Europe, siood to the southeast. 

" On the morning of the 3d a sail was discovered to 
the southwest ; made all sail in chase, and at 8 o'clock 
discovered her to be a Portuguese merchant brig bound to 
the westward ; gave over cliasc, and stood oa to the 
southeast, with light v/inds from the north and variablo ; 
sent up our i:oyalmasts, and employed the crew in various 
useful jobs, the sick and cooks of the messes being occu- 
pied in picking oakum for caulking the waterways, which 
were found to be very open, in consequence of the oakum 
having washed out. Got up the marine clothing from 
the store-room to air, as some of it was found to be wet 
from the leak in the stem ; the other store-rooms on ex- 
amination proved to be dry. Also, employed the sail- 



(34 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARKAGUT. 

makers in repairiug the fore-topsail that was unbent, and 
gave directions to the oflicers to get their boats in the best 
state for service (each lieutenant of the ship, as well as 
the sailing-master, having charge of one). Toward the 
latter part of the day the wind hanled around from the 
eastward, and threatened rain. This day saw a bird 
that very much resembled a plover in appearance and 
note." 

How full of interest this glimpse of the Essex with her 
320 souls, pushing out upon the faithless, pathless ocean, 
to encounter not only its ordinary perils, but the wrath of 
iin enemy, v/hose powcrfid navy was anticipating a speedy 
conquest of the fleets o'f the nevf Republic ! It was no 
" elegant leisure " for officers or men, as the " getting 
off" has clearly shown. I wish we knew more of the 
emotions, and w^ords, and deeds of Midshipman Farra- 
gut. But neither he nor his friends on shipboard antici- 
pated a day Vv'hen the very prattle of his childhood would 
have an interest to grateful, admiring millions. This we 
do know, that with a daring and enthusiasm beyond his 
years, he entered into all the dudes and exciting scenes of 
a mariner's career, commenced almost at the moment 
when battle-flags fluttered over the canvas of English and 
American ships. 



CHAPTER VI. 



On to Port Praya— Its Position and People— Incidents interesting to the 
" Young Gentlemen "—The Sleeping Apartments oa board a Frigate— Cap- 
tain Porter Mres for his People— Encounter with a British Brig— The Prize 
—At St Catharine's. 



OVEjMBEIv od, you v/ill recollect, the Essex 
made the fir?t cliasc of the cruise — an exciting 
change ia the pleasant voyage. Sunshine 
and showers — gentle winds and calms — suc- 
ceeded each other; the "young gentlemen" en- 
joying the really delightful nautical scenery Vv'hich on 
the evening of the 5th v/as i-emarkahly beautiful. As 
twilight came on, the clouds floated around the horizon in 
fantastic forms, variegated with gorgeous and delicate 
hues, till every eye w^as attracted to the enchanting view. 
A light breeze swelled the new canvas, which, with the se- 
rene and richly-bordered sky, was reflected from the gen- 
tly-undulating ocean. Commodore Porter alludes to the 
evening v.'ith enthusiastic admiration. 

The next day "vwas more breezy, and the frigate marched 



66 LIFE OF ADMniAL FAREAGUT. 

over the waves under a glorious sky, with nothing to 
interrupt the usual round of duty. " At night a magnifi- 
cent meteor shot out uj^on the clear sky, and continued to 
glitter several minutes before it exploded." 

Upon the 7th " Sail ho ! sail ho ! " conies from the 
lips of the watcher for the Vv'elcome sight ; and soon the 
warlike aspect of the distant ship is visible. The men 
spring to their posts, and the chase begins. The hours 
of day vanish, and still the Essex spreads all her sails in 
the pursuit of the stranger. How unlike the evening be- 
fore ! Now all thought is turned to the flying ship, which 
eludes the Essex under the cover of darkness. 

The sick list of the frigate decreased daily, because of 
the excellent sanitary arrangements of the thoughtful, be- 
nevolent commander. The name of Farragut uowhere 
appears on the roll of the invalids, his correct manner 
of life saving him from the dreaded solitude of sickness. 

On the moonlight evening of the 16th, the appreciative 
eye of the young midshipman was charmed with a scene 
not uncommon in this latitude ; every object in view wore 
a green hue. The atmosphere seemed to glow with an 
emerald light, bathing sky and sea. The softness and 
loveliness of the horizon, and of the ocean, whose bosom 
at that hour was fanned by the light breath of Nature 
sinking into repose, cannot be imagined by one who lias 
not beheld it. 

The next morning brought another stir among the 



LIPE OF ADMIRAL FARRAGUT. 67 

men of the Essex. The clay was calm, and while givmg 
" the rigging a good setting-up " a sail was discerned in 
the distance, and the frigate in a few moments was steer- 
ing directly for it. The chase was short, the vessel prov- 
ing to be a Portuguese brig, and bringing the news of 
embargo laid iipoif American vessels in the Brazils upon 
hearini^ of tlie war. 

Scarcely was the chase over before the sea-world 
again put on tlie emerald glory of her tropical enchant- 
ment, atfraeting all eyes to the suggestive contrast with 
the rising conflict between two Christian nations. 

November 23d the Essex approached the tropics off 
the coast of North America, and her decks became the 
ecenc of all sorts of comedy — it was tlie sailor's ceremony 
of " crossing the line." Old Neptune was rejn-esented 
Avith his train of imps, barbers, etc., the "middies" 
sharing in the strange and varied entertainment. 

Wrote the indulgent commander : " Neptune, how- 
ever, and most of his suite, paid their devotions so fre- 
quently to Bacchus, that before the cln-i;jtening was half 
gone through, their godships vv-ere unable to stand ; the 
business was therefore entnisted to subordinates, who 
performed both the shaving and w^ashing Avith as little 
regard to tenderness as his majesty would have done. 

" On the whole, they got through the business with 
less disorder and more good humor than I expected ; and 
though some were most unmercifully scra,tclicd, the oiUy 



68 LIFE OF ADMIBAL FARKAGUT. 

satisfaction sought was that of shaving others in their 
turn with newly-invented tortures." 

Scarcely had the crew sobered down before Midship- 
man Farragut looked upon two green islands, between 
Avhich the frigate lay, Avith all the interest of ardent boy- 
hood, far out at sea, amid novel, strange, and often in- 
spiring scenes. His commander and friend will tell you 
what he saw ; and who would not like to have shared 
with bim the luscious fruits? 

" On the morning of the 27th we v/cre between the 
isles of Mayo and St. Jago. On the sides of the moun- 
tains of the latter we could perceive several villages and 
large flocks of goats, but the arid appearance of the soil 
scarcely left us the hope that it would afford us the to 
freshments we required, as no vegetable or tree of any 
description could be perceived by us, except a few scatter- 
ing cocoa-nut trees. The island had altogether a most 
dreary and uncultivated appearance, and I had partly 
determined in my own mind only to look into the road 
of Praya, to see if there were any of our ships of war 
there, as this Avas the first rendezvous fixed on by Com- 
modore Bainbridgc. At 2 r. m. rounded to the cast point 
of Porto Praya, and stretched into the harbor, showing 
tlie American colors, the Portug-uese being displayed on a 
flashy CagstaflT erected on a hill at one corner of the ruins 
of a fort in the bottom of the bay, and in front of the 
town. Perceiving no vessels in the bay except a small 



LIFE OF ADMIKAL FAKRACUr. 69 

Portuguese schooner, I hauled off; but being desirous of 
procuring eomc information respecting the Commodore, 
as this was the day appointed by him to leave this place 
for Fernando de Noronha, I concluded on sending Lieu- 
tenant Downes ashore with a person who could speak the 
Portuguese language ; and as a pretext for so doing, I 
directed him to state to the governor that v.'c wero an 
American frigate wanting supplies, to request his permis- 
sion to obtain them, to inform him I should fire a salute 
provided he would return gun for gun, and that I should, 
provided I anchored, take the earnest opportunity of 
making my respects to him. On the return of Mr, 
Downes he informed me that the governor could not be 
seen, as he had gone to take his afternoon nap, but that 
the lieutenant-governor, or second in command, informed 
him v/e could obtain every supply we stood in need of; 
that the salute should be returned gun for gun ; that the 
governor would be happy to see me on shore ; expressed 
his astonishment that I should have asked permission to 
come in ; and concluded v/ith an offer of his services in 
procuring the supplies we might want. Mr. Downes in- 
formed me that no government vessels of war had been 
at Praya ; that the American privateer Yankee, from 
Boston, and another privateer from Salem, and an armed 
British schooner, had been there not long since. I con- 
sequently concluded to stop a few days, and during the 
time to fdl up our water and take in rcfreshmtnts. 1 



70 LIFE OF ADMIKAL FAKKAOirr. 

therefoi'o ran iu and ancliorod in seven fathoms of water, 
clear sandy bottom, the fiagstaft" bear nig N.N.W., and 
the east end of Quail Island west by compaps. We fired 
the salute, which was punctually returned. 

" At nine o'clock on tlie morning of the 28th I waited 
on his excellency, accompanied by some of the officers. 
Ho was engaged at the time on some business at tho 
custom-house, as I was informed, and could not be seen 
until about eleven ; the second in command, however, 
Major Medina, who spoke indifierent English, entertained 
us during the interval, making offers of his services in 
procuring the supplies, of which we gave him a list. 
After making the necessary arrangements and fixing on 
the prices, we Avaitcd on tho governor, whom we found 
at his house, dressed in all his splendor to receive lis. 
His reception was of the most friendly nature, and I am 
persuaded he was much pleased to sec us in the port. 
He expressed much regret that the war had deprived 
them of tlic advantage arising from the American com- 
merce, as they liad been cut off from all tlicir supplies, 
and wero now destitute of bread and every other comfort 
of life except what the island afforded, which consisted 
chiefly iu live stock and fruit. He told me that a little 
flour, or any thing else we could vspare, would be most 
acceptable to him, and invited me to make my dinner 
with him, on such scanty fare as he was enabled to give 
nie ; adding, if I would come on shore next day, he would 



LIFE OF ADMTEAL FAIiRAGUT. Yl 

endeavor to provide Fomethiug better. I accepted his in- 
vitatiou mth as little ceremony as it was given ; and 
although there was but little variety of meats, he had an 
abundant supply of the best tropical fruits I ever tasted. 
The oranges were very fine. Tie this day commenced 
watering ; but, after having to roll the casks about five 
hundred yards, found great difficulty in getting them from 
the beach, on account of the heavy sm-f. 

" On the 29th I again dined with the governor, and 
from that time until the morning of the 2d of December, 
we were occupied in getting on board refreshments and 
water ; but of the latter we v/ere only enabled to get 
about five thousand gallons. The beef Avas very dear, 
and very poor ; a bullock weighing three hundred weight 
cost thirty-five dollars ; sheep were three dollars, but very 
poor , oranges forty cents per hundi-ed, and other fruits 
in the same proportion and in the greatest abundance. 
It is supposed that the ship had not on board less than 
one hundred thousand oranges, together with a large 
quantity of cocoa-nuts, plantains, lemons, limes, casada, 
etc. Every mess on board were also supplied with pigs, 
sheep, fowls, turkeys, goats, etc., which vrcre purchased 
tolerably cheap ; fowls at three dollars per dozen, and fine 
turkeys at one dollar each ; many of the seamen, also, 
furnished themselves with monkeys and young goats as 
pets, and when we sailed from thence the ship bore no ■ 



72 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAEEAGUT. 

slight resemblance, as respected tlio clifFercnt animals on 
board her, to Noah's ark. 

" In the town of Praja tliere are not more than thirty 
whites ; the rest of the population is made up of slaves 
and free negi'oes, making altogether not more than three 
thousand, of whom about four hundred are soldiers. AU 
the officers, except three or four, are mulattoes, and their 
priest is a negro, who possesses considerable polish of 
manners. The soldiers are generally destitute of clothing 
from the waist upward ; and it can be asserted Avith a 
certainty of adhering strictly to the truth, that there are 
not five serviceable muskets in Praya. Most of them are 
without any locks, their stocks broken off at the breech, 
their barrels tied into the stocks Avith a leather thong, or 
a cord made of the fibres of tlic cocoa-nut ; and it was no 
uncommon thing to see a naked negro mounting guard, 
shouldering a musket barrel only. Their cavalry were 
in a corresponding style, mounted on jackasses, and armed 
with broken swords. The governor informed me it had 
been ten years since they had received any pay, or sup- 
plies of clothing or arms. 

" The guns of diffei-eut calibres mounted about Praya, 
for the defence of the place, although in commanding 
situations, are in a state equally bad with the muskets of 
the negroes. They are placed on ship's carriages, which 
are old and rotten, scarcely holding together, without 
platform, shelter, or breastwork, except a slight tlilapi- 



LIFE OF ADMmAL FAEEAGUT. 73 

dated one before tlic ealuting battery, aud another in as 
bad a state on the west point of the bay. The whola 
number of guns amounts to thirty ; and for them chiefly 
they are indebted to a Portuguese frigate tliat was lost 
by the negligence of her officers about three years since. 
Porto Praya could be taken, and every gun spiked, by 
thirty men. 

" An abundance of fish may be caught with the hock 
and line alongside, and Avith tlie seine on the beach» 
where we hauled every morning during our stay — one 
afternoon at the particular request of the governor, v.hen 
himself and the ladies of his family, as well as all the 
other white ladies of the town, consisting altogether of 
seven, besides the white and colored officers, attended. 
We were not at that time so fortunate as we were after- 
wards ; we hov/ever caught enough to affijrd them a 
mess, which I caused to be carried to their houses. A 
very good amusement may be had in the bay by rowing 
Avith a small boat across the mouth, and towing a line 
with a hook fastened on v.-ith wire, and baited with small 
fish, for the purpose of catching barracoutas. The best 
time is in the dusk of tlie evening and at daylight in the 
morning. 

" On the 29th, after dinner, the governor visited the 

ship, with the ladies of his family and all the officers of 

the garrison, black and white ; on his leaving us I caused 

a salute of eleven guns to bo fired. He was much pleased 

4 



74 LIFE OF ADMTEAL FAEEAGUT. 

with the attentions paid him, and next day spoke of it 
with renewed offers of civility. I sent him, as well as 
Medina, a barrel of flour and pork, with some other small 
articles, and in return he sent me off six fine turkeys. 
From the favorable disposition of the governor and officers 
of the government, as well as the facility of procuring re- 
freshments, I would recommend Port Praya as an excel- 
lent place for our ships to stop for supplies. The bay is 
of easy access, and when the anchor is once settled in the 
bottom, is perfectly safe. It is necessary, however, to 
give the ship half a cable before you check her, or the 
anchor is not likely to take hold, and there is danger of 
her going on the rocks of Quail Island, as was the case 
with the Portuguese frigate. 

" As the governor hinted to me that a letter from me 
to our minister at the court of Brazil would be agreeable 
to him, I wrote such a one as I thought vrould be flatter- 
ing to him, and sent it on shore, informing him of my in- 
tentions to sail that day. A signal was in consequence 
hoisted (as he informed my officer) to permit us to depart. 

" The governor is about forty-five years of age, a 
man of easy and agreeable manners and friendly dispo- 
sition. The utmost respect is paid to him by all subject 
to his authority. No one is ever seated in his presence ; 
and, whenever he leaves his quarters, he is always accom- 
panied by a guard ; when on foot, he is preceded by a 
soldier bearing a halbort. 



LITE OF ADMIRAL FARRAaUT. 75 

" The friendly attentions we met with in the port of 
Praya could not have been exceeded in any port of the 
United States ; and as the Poi-tuguesc are the allien of 
Great Britain, their attentions were as surprising as they 
"were unexpected. I found, however, after I had been 
with them a short time, that their attachments to the 
Americans, groAving out of tlicir commercial interests 
and concerns, were very strong ; that the only British 
vessels that ever toTichcd there were vessels of war, who 
came for supplies, with the haughty unconciliating con- 
duct of tlie commanders and officers, of which they were 
b}- no means satisfied. They spoke of the prince regent 
as the slave, the tool of the British Government, and 
were highly gratified with tlie accounts I gave them of 
our little success over the ships of that imperious navy. 
The governor assured me he would give me every protec- 
tion against any Briiiah force that should arrive there 
during my stay, and expressed a strong desire that we 
should moke him another visit, when he hoped to make 
our time more agreeable. 

" The two greatest evils to guard against in refreshing 
at Porto Praya, is the bad I'um of the country and the heat 
of the sun, to both of which the watering party are una- 
voidably exposed. The negroes and seamen have such a 
variety of expedients for getting rum on board, that it is 
almost impossible to detect them. They hover about the 
bench with the bottles under their arms, where the shawls 



life! 



76 LIFE OF ADMIEAL FAKRAGUT, 1 

of the females serve the better to conceal them ; and at c' 
favorable opportiinitj they bury Ihcm iu the sand, receive 
their money, Avhile the sailor Vv'atches his opportunity fo 
getting it on boai'd or drinking it. They sometimes draw 
the milk from the cocoa-nuts, fill them with rum, and seli 
them to the seamen in that state at a high price. Tht 
first day we Avere employed in watering Ave had sever 
men drunk ; but after that Ave Avere more fortunate, as I se- 
lected the most trusty men to fill and roll the casks to the 
beach, Avith directions to make a signal Avhcn tliey were 
ready to tow otT. By this means Ave prevented our boats' 
crews from having any communication Avith the shore. 
A similar precaution AA-as used in getting our supplies of 
fruit on board : they Avere brought to the beach by the 
negroes, and, on a signal being made, boats Avere sent for 
them. I should advise ships that intend getting any con- 
siderable supplies of Avater, to employ negroes altogether 
for filling the casks and rolling them dowai to the beach, 
as it Avould entirely prevent the necessity of exposing the 
men either to the inclemency of the sun or the tempta- 
tions held out to them. The Avatering-place is a Avell at 
the back of the toAvn, iu a valley, and the only place from 
whence the inhabitants receive their supply. 

" On the day of our departure there Avere nine pa- 
tients, three from accidents and three with inflammatoiy 
bilious fevers. This Avas one cause of my hastening from 
thence before I had completed filling my Avater, as I Avas 



LIFE OF ADMIKAL FAEKAGUT. Y7 

fearful of introducing disease among the crew. None of 
the last selected watcring-pai-ty on shore were in the 
slightest degree affected by the climate, although era- 
ployed from daylight in the morning imtil late at night. 
They were, however, shaded a considerable part of the 
time by the groves of cocoa-nut trees that grow between 
the landing-place and the well, and they were not com- 
pelled to work in tiic middle of the day ; added to this, 
those employed after the first day were very temperate, 
and not known to enter into any excesses. 

'• Praya may be known by an old fort on Point Tu- 
baroa ; by the black island of Quails, on which several 
guns are mounted ; by the fort and town of Pra.ya ; and 
by a flagstaff, or signal establishment, situated on a moun- 
tain at the back of the east point of the bay. Praya is 
situated on a plain, on the top of a rock overlooking the 
bay, the sides of vrhich, toward the cca, are everywhere 
nearly perpendicular, rendering all approaches imprac- 
ticable except by two roads, one on tlic east, the other on 
tlie west, which have been cut in the rock, and are very 
steep. Tlie houses, or cabins, except those of the princi- 
pal officers, are built of rough stone, one story high, and 
covered Avith fhc branches of the cocoa-nut tree. The 
police of Praya is rigid, no one is permitted to wear 
concealed weapons ; and had I not been well assured that 
there were no better arms in ihe island, I should havo 
supposed that fears of an insurrection induced them to 



78 Llli-E OF ADMIRAL FAREAGUT. 



put unserviceable muskets and broken cutlasses into the 
hands of their naked negi'o soldiers." 

December od, " Levi Holmes departed this life. His 
remains were committed to the deep, according to the 
funeral ceremonies of the church." 

What a touching episode in the history of the Essex 
is this brief record ! A bm-ial at sea ! The crew are 
summoned to the deck, the body of the dead mariner is 
in its sack with weights attached ; and w^hen the solemn 
words are uttered, " Earth to earth — dust to dust," the 
shroud and coffin, with its human form, glides into the 
sea, and rapidly disappears till it becomes a white speck, 
and then is lost to sight forever ! The health of the more 
than three hundred people of the frigate was remarkably 
good ; and the reason for it you will learn from another 
passage of Captain Porter's journal : 

" My chief care v.'as now the health of my people ; 
and all the means that suggested thcm.selves to my mind 
to effect this great object were adopted. The utmost 
cleanliness was required from every person on board, and 
directions were given for mustering the crew every morn- 
ing at their quarters, where they were strictly examined 
by their officers. It was recommended to them to bathe 
at least once a day, and the officers were requested to 
show them the example. They v>'ere required, also, to 
use every means in their power to provide constant em- 
ployment for the men imder their control during working 



1 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAKRAGDT. 79 

hours, and amusement for them during the hours of re- 
creation, and to be particularly careful not to harass them 
by disturbing them unnecessarily during their watch be- 
low, as also to guard against any improper or unneces- 
sary exposure to the weather. Economy was recom- 
mended to the crew in the use of their supply of fruit, 
and permission was given to suspend it in the rigging 
and other airy parts of the ship, in nets made for the pur- 
pose, witlx a promise of the severest punishment to such 
as should be detected in stealing from others. With 
those precautions to procure exercise and cleanliness, 
with proper ventilations and fumigations, a young, active, 
healthy, and contented crew, a ship in good order for the 
service we were engaged in, well found with the best 
provisions and the purest Avator, perfectly free from all 
bad taste and smell, I do not conceive why we should be 
in greater apprehension of disease originating on board 
now, than on the coast of North America. "We have 
friendly ports under our lee, where we may stop from 
time to time to procure the necessary supplies of refresh- 
ments ; and the Avcather has not been oppressive, but a 
moderate and steady breeze from the east contributed 
gi-eatly to refresh the air ; and saih'ng could not be more 
pleasant than our passage tov.'ard the line. The lands- 
men on board were delighted with it, and the seamen 
felicitated themselves that it was not aliuays the case at 
sea, ' or all the old women in the country would have 



80 LIFE OF ADillRAL FAKKAQUT. 

been sailors.' The animals on boai'd becoming a eerious 
burden on account of Avatcr, the commander ordered 
them to be killed, notwithstanding the seamen begged 
for the life of a favorite kid, or pig, designed for 
Christmas." 

Besides the arrangements to secure heaJth on board 
the Esses, already given, the crew were permitted to 
sleep on the gim-deck. This is the large deck Avhere the 
cannon are handled, having the ports for their muzzles, 
v/hich admit of a fine circulation of fresh air — a spacious, 
well-ventilated apartment. But most of the commanders 
have been opposed to the indulgence, because the ham- 
mocks v/ere in the way of the guns if suddenly needed 
for an enemy. 

In the language of the humane Porter, " what can be 
more dreadful than for three Imndred men to be confined 
with their hammocks, being only eighteen inches apart 
on the berth-deck of a small frigate, a space of seventy 
feet long, thirty-five Vv^ide, and five high, in a hot climate, 
where the only apertures by which they can receive air 
are two hatchways of about six feet square? A call to 
their watch must be a relief from iheir sufferings ; and 
although it exposes them to all the ills attending the vio- 
lent and sudden chills occasioned by the dews and night 
air while the pores arc open, and the body in a profuse 
perspiration, it is more tolerable than suffocation. Those 
sudden and frequent changes from heat to cold must, in 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAREAGUT. 81 

time, wear out the strongest constitution, and produce in- 
curable diseases. From the number confined in so small 
a space, the whole atmosphere of the ship becomes tainted, 
and not only those who arc compelled to sleep below, but 
every person on board, is afFectcd by the pernicious vapors 
arising from the berth-deck." 

And the brave, amiable sovereign of the Essex an- 
swers like a hero v/ho knows how to manage war-ships 
and men, the objection of incouvenicnco in mustering the 
force for battle, lie says, that by using the gun-deck for 
a dormitory, he has the advantage of " always having 
the men near their quarters, whci'c, on the slightest 
alarm, they may be ready for action. Should circum- 
stances make it necessary for us to pipe up the hammocks 
on seeing a strange sail at night, they can be lashed up 
much sooner and with less confusion on a roomy gun- 
deck, than from a dark and crowded berth-deck. But if 
it should happen (which cannot be the case with a good 
lookout) that a vessel is close on board before she is dis- 
covered, and there should not be time to get the ham- 
mocks on deck, it is an easy matter to cut away the lan- 
yards, and throw the hammocks belov.-, or on one side, 
clear of the guns. They are compelled to sling the ham- 
mocks opposite their guns, and are accountable for t]ic 
safety of every article belonging to them. Sliips that 
adopt this regulation, with other pi'oper precautions, have 
always healthy crews ; and this circumstance alone, 



83 LIFE OF AD5IIUAL .FAKItAGUT. 

wliicli contributes so much to their comfort, and ia time 
of actiou must render them more efiicient, should over- 
come tlio trifling, ill-founded apprehension of not having 
the hammocks stowed in time for action. Fifteen min- 
utes are sufficient at any time to make every preparation 
for action ; and on discovering a vessel at night, there 
can he no circumstance which should render it necessary 
to run alongside of her without taking that much time to 
prepare for battle. In order to have the hammocks in a 
greater state of readiness for stowing away, orders were 
given that every man, on turning out to take his watch, 
should lash his hammock up ia readiness to take en 
deck. 

'•' The eick are never permitted to remain on the gun- 
deck at night, but are brought np by their messmates 
every morning, and their hammocks are slung in some 
cool, agreeable part of the gun-deck, where they will not 
be disturbed by persons at work or running against 
them." 

December llth tlic Es^cx crossed the equator, that 
invisiblo and central line girdling the globe, of which a 
sailor afilrmcd tb.at he felt tlie jar when the vessel went 
over it. 

Tlic next da}', after noon, the watehrcan again crice, 
" A sail, ho ! " The ship looks like an English brig-of-war, 
and all hands prepare for the cliase. For four hours tho 
frigate cuts the foam, gaining i-ipon the strange craft. A 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAERAGUT. 83 

eignal on her mast decides her British character, and 
Captain Porter puts answering signals of a similar kind 
to decoy the enemy. The brig is deceived, and hoists 
her colors at sunset. This was the fifth vessel pursued 
fiince the cruise began. At nine o'clock the ships were 
within musket shot, and ordering the large guns not to 
be fired, to save the brig from injury as far aa possible, 
Captain Porter demanded a surrender. Instead of doing 
this he tried to run athwart the stern of the Essex, 
give a raking fire, and escape. A volley of musketry 
brought the Euglislimau to terms. The same night 
855,000, v/ith the prisoners, were removed. And to 
Bhow you forther, the influence under v.diich the sailoi*- 
boy Farragut was trained thus early, moulding his char- 
acter into that symmetrical, attractive, and elevated form 
it bears, I will let his conimander, who was also a father 
to liim, tell the rest of the story of the capture : 

"On the loth, despatched the prize under the com- 
mand of Lieutenant Eincli, and as I sent in her seventeen 
of the prisoners, I was under the necessity of parting 
with as many of my ovrn crew. I put en board the 
prize the captain, master, and passengers ; and, wi'.h a 
view of securing their neutrality in the event of any at- 
tempt to retake the vessel, I permitted them to go on 
parole of honor, with the privilege of embarking on board 
any vessel they might meet, bound to England or else- 
where. As 1 have never permitted prisoners to be 



84 LITE OF ADJnKAL FAKRAGDT. 

plundered in any one instance, the officers and passengers 
of the brig soon felt themselves, while on board the Essex, 
at perfect case, and secure from any violence ; and they 
seemed to consider their capture and trip to America 
more iu the light of an agreeable ad^-enture, or party of 
pleasure, than a misfortune. 

" A Mr. James Heyworlh, a merch?.nt from Brasils, 
on leaving my ship, presented me with two letters un- 
sealed, which he requested me to present in the event of 
my going to Rio Janeiro. One of them I found to be a 
letter of introduction ; the other announcing liis capture. 
To show the sentiments by which he- was impressed, I 
shall give a copy of them both. 

'"Docembor 12, 1812. 

" ' Dear Brothek Lawrence : By the extreme civil- 
ity of the gentleman who offers to forward this, I am 
enabled to inform you that we have been captured by an 
American vessel. However, we are proceeding under 
the direction of a prize-master to the United States ; 
have liberty, if we fall in with a neutral vessel, to go on 
on board ; and if not, Ave shall proceed to North America. 
I am under my parole, and expect soon to ho with my 
friends in England. 

" ' We have been most humanely treated. I cannot 
inform j^ou more particulars, liavdng given my word of 
honor not to disclose any tiling relative to our capture. 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARRAGUT. 85 

1 am well, thank God, in good spirits, and request you 
vviU niaka yourself easy respecting me. 
" ' I am, dear Lawrence, 

" ' Your aCectionate brother, 

'"JAMES HEYWORTH. 
" ' Los. Scnrs. Heyworth, Irmoos & Co., 

iVb. 10, Resa das Violas, Jiio de Janeiro.'' 

" ' Am?:uican Frigate Essex, at Sea, December IS, 1812. 
" ' Gentleihen : Should it occur that the bearer of 
thia letter. Captain Porter, commander of the United 
States frigate Essex, visits your port, I have to entreat 
of you that you will show him every civility and hospi- 
tality in youf power. 

"'By attending to this request you will essentially 
oblige me ; and by doing which you cannot possibly re- 
turn, ia a suitable manner, the heavy obligations I lie 
under to Captain Porter, for his \ery generous and 
liumane condiiet to me whilst a prisoner on board his 
frigate. 

" ' I remain, dear sirs, very respectfully, 

" ' Your most obedient servant, 

'"JAMES UEYWORTH. 
" 'Messrs. Eeywoktu, Brothers & Co., Rio de Janeiro.'' 

" The Nocton proving to be a beautiful vessel, and 
well calculated for the United States service, I took the 
liberty of recommending her to the Secretary of the Navy 



Ot) LIFE OF ADMIEAL FAERAGUT., 

as a cruiser ; being anxious that one of llie enemy's small 
vessels should be taken into oui- service, to supply the 
place of the Nautilus, which had been taken by the 
British a short time before. 

" The island Fernando de Noronha, which you will see 
on the map, ofF the Coast of Brazil, was the nest object 
of unusual inlercst, rising like a dark spire from the 
ocean, and sometimes mistaken, as it was on board the 
Essex, for a ship in the distance. Here they anchored 
under disguise, and sent on shore (o hear, if possible, 
from Commodore Eainbridge, whom it was expected to 
join in this laiitude. lie had been there and gone, but 
such was the intelligence gleaned, that Captain Porter 
thought he mighl yet find him. This island was a 
prison, indeed, well fortified in every part, and its popu- 
lation consisliug of a few miserable, naked exiled Portu- 
guese, and as miserable a guard. The governor is 
changed every three years, and during his term of ser- 
^icG in the island has tlie privilege of disposing of its 
produce to his own emolument. Cattle in abundance, 
hogs, goats, fowls, etc., may be had thei-e, as well as 
corn, melons, cocoa-nuts, etc. Ships, formerly, frequent- 
ly touched for refreshments, wood, and water, but for 
seven months prior to the arrival of the Acasla, none had 
been there. There are no females on the island, and 
none are permitted to be there, from what motives I can- 
not conceive, except it be to render the place of exile the 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAERAGUT. 87 

more horrible. The vratering-placc is near the beach, at 
the foot of the rock oii whicli the citadel is placed, and it 
13 "witli the utmost difficulty aud danger that the casks can 
be got tiirough the surf to the boat. There is no boat in 
the island, and the only means of communication betv/een 
Wooding Island and Fernando, is a small raft of cata- 
maran, which is carefully kept in one cf the forts, and is 
capable of bearing only two men. An abundance of fish 
may be procured, with but little trouble, with the hook 
and line. 

"As clothing is not in use here, as hunger may bo 
gratified without labor, ' and as there is an appear- 
ance of cheerfulness, those that are not in chains may 
be supposed, in some measure, reconciled to a state 
ns good, perhaps, as any they had formerly been accus- 
tomed to." 

December ISth, " A sail, ho ! A eall, ho !" is heard, 
for the first time since the Nocton v.as seized, and spread 
great excitement among the crew, already impatient for a 
chase and a battle. But the enemy's ship was saiUng 
under Portuguese colors, and tlie Essex: went on her vrny 
to escape recognition. After pm*suing and taking the 
Elizabeth, starting off in an " uproar " of excitement 
after sjnall clouds, mistaken for sails, the frigate dropped 
her anchor near the island of St. Catharine's, to replenish, 
if practicable, the exhausted refreshments. This pros- 
pect sent a new thrill cf delight over tlic man-of-war, 



88 LIFE OF ADMlEAIj FAERAGUT. 

from captain to tlio " middies" not ouly, but to the hum- 
blest " supernumerary," who must have his ration of food 
and -water, and I am sorry to add, in those days, of rum 
to madden his brain. 



CHAPTER VII. 



A Fareivoll to Moorings — Around Cape Horn — Scanty Fare — A Eat a Dainty — 
A Cup of Pure Water at Sea— Gales— rcrils Doubling the Capo— Mochu — 
A Tragedy. 



<^. 



HE olficcrs and men having provided themselves 
m 't^ ^'ith pigs, fowls, plantains, yams, etc., prepared 
^^^ to set sail. Fresh beef which had spoiled on ac- 
(J7\^ count of the heat, was thrown overboard, when a 



(g7 



^ gigantic shark, twenty-five feet in length, rose to 
the surface with the " quarter of a hullock in his mouth," 
swimming around witli his prize, just uhcre the seamea 
had been bathing the evening before. The " yovmg gen- 
tlemen," who had enjoyed the bath, watched with horror 
the monster, which, at first, was supposed to be a Avhale, 
and for whose bloody jaws, armed with its rows of savage 
teeth, they would have been only dainty morsels. Tho 
great bay between St. Catharine's and the Continent held 
every eye, as the Essex floated gracefully, proudly away 
ti-om her anchorage. "Handsome villages and houses 



90 LIFE OF ADMISAL FAKEAGUT. 

buiit nrounci, shores whicli gradually ascend in moun- 
tains, covered lo their summit with trees which remain 
in ccmstant verdure ; a climate always tempci'ate and 
healthy ; small isiands scattered here and there, equally 
covered with verdure, the soil extremely productive ; all 
combine to render it, in appearance, the most delightful 
country ia tlio world." Heavy gales and cooler weather 
changed the aspect of life in the frigate, which had been 
one of romantic and pleasant adventure. Three raontha 
had passed siticc she Icfi; the Delaware, only seven days 
of v.-liich were spent in port, and close economy in stores 
became necessary. Again and again the commander al- 
ludes to the surprising health of the crev\', which his own 
unwearied care doubtless secured. 

The wild albatross v»-ilh other sca-birUs, and in the 
v/aters the whale and dolphin, sported around the ship, 
attracting not only the curiosity of the seamen unac- 
customed to the sights, but their weapons of capture. 
The supplies were getting low, and there was occasion 
for uneasiness among the men, which was anticipated and 
prevented by the unceasing and paternal vigilance of the 
commander. With such officers on all our gi'cat ships, 
we should not have the sad and horrid talcs of tyranny 
and mutiny Avhich disgrace the annals of the marine. 
The Essex now directed her course toward Cape Horn, 
the dread of the mariner who is compelled to tui-n this 
tempestuous point. You can imagine, young reader, the 



LIFE OF ADMIEAL FiVKKAGUT. 91 

•lively interest with -wliich David looked away to the savage 
coast of Terra del Fuego — the " land of fire" — of v»'hich 
jwe all Icara in the early school lessons. The frigate vcn~ 
! tared as near as it was safe to do, seeking a haven. The 
[ distant hills were seen clothed wilh verdure, while the less 
I conspicuous features of the country were concealed from 
observation by the haziness of the v/eathcr, to the intense 
regret of those to whom the voyage was new ; " the fog," 
says the captain, " preventing a clearer view of a coast 
! which has excited so much tho attendon of mankind, 
i from the description given by the most celebrated navi- 
gators." 

Unable to gain anchorage in the Bay of Good Suc- 
cess, Vv'hoso name tells ilia story of its grateful shelter, 
and is fully described, first by Captain Cook, tho Essex 
ploughed the rough sea to the bleak Capo San Diego, 
whose scene of utter desolation spread a gloom over the 
eensitive, homesick heart. Even tho cheerful, i'earless 
Porter declares : '• The appearance v/as dreary beyond 
description. Perhaps, however, the critical situation of 
the ship, the foaming of the breakers, the violence of tho 
wind, and tlic extreme haziness of the weather, may, all 
combined, have served to render the appearance more 
dreadful. Vnxi from the impression made by its appear- 
ance then, and frora the description given by others, I am 
induced to believe that no part of the world presents a 
more horrible aspect tksin Staten I-iland, Tke breakers 



92 LITE OF ADMIRAL FAERAGUT. 

appeared to lie about half a mile iVom the shore ; while 
we were standing oft", the whole sea, from tlie violence of 
the current, appeared in a foam of breakers, and nothing 
but the apprehension of ianmcdiate destruction could have 
induced me to venture through it. But, thanks to the 
excellent qualities of the ship, we received no material 
injury ; although v.'c were pitching our forecastle under 
with a heavy press of sail, and the violence of the sea was 
such that it was impossible for any man to stand without 
grasping something to support himself. Our making the 
breakers in the manner we did proved most fortunate ; 
for had we passed through the straits without discover- 
ing the land (which would have been the case had we 
been one mile further north), I should have supposed 
myself to the east of Staten Island ; and after running the 
distance which I believed necessary to clear Cape St. 
John's, have steered a course that v*-ould have entangled 
us in the night with the rocks and breakers about Cape 
Horn. Had this happened, thick and hazy as tlie weather 
continued, our destruction would have been inevitable, as 
we could not have seen the danger one hundred yards 
from the ship, had we even been apprehensive and on the 
lookout for it, whicli would not have been the case," 

All this was a fresh and inspiring acquaintance with 
ocean life to Midshipman Farragut ; it was " seeing the 
world," as the home among tlie Cumberland summits 
and cniising along our sea-border had never presented 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARRAGUT. 03 

it to his brave young spirit, which was at last in its con- 
genial atmosphere of adventure and culture. And I must 
let you read his captain's description of the encounter 
with the treacherous, tempestuous Cape, again revealing, 
unconsciously, his own unselfish regard for his ship's com- 
pany : " So different was the tcmperatm^e of the air, the 
appearance of the licavcns, and the .smoothness of the sea, 
to every thing we liad expected and pictured to our- 
selves, that we could not but smile at our own credulity 
and folly in giving credit to (what we supposed) the ex- 
aggerated and miraculous accounts of former voyages ; 
and even wlien we admitted, for a moment, the correct- 
ness of their statements, avc could not help attributing 
their disasters and misfortunes chiefly to their own im- 
prudences and mismanagement. As we had endeavored 
to guard against every accident that we had to appre- 
hend, Ave flattered ourselves with the belief that fortune 
would be more favorable to our enterprise than she had 
been to theirs. But, while we were indulging ourselves 
in these pleasing speculations, the bhiek clouds hanging 
over Cape Horn burst upon us witii a fury we little ex- 
pected, and reduced us in a few minutes to a reefed fore- 
sail and close-reefed main-topsail, and in a few hours 
afterwards to our storm-staysails. Nor was the violence 
of the winds the only danger we had to encounter ; for it 
produced uu irregular and dangerous sea, that threatened 
to jerk away our masts at every roll of the ship. With 



9-i LITE OF ATsMIKAL FAKKAUUT. 

this wiud we steer^-d to the goutliward, with a view of 
getting an Oinng Irom tlie land, in expectation of avoiding, 
in future, the sudden gusts and the irregular seas Avhich 
we supposed v/cre owing to violent currents, and confined 
to the neighborhood of the coast. But in this expecta- 
tion we were much disappointed, for, as we receded from 
the coast, the gale increased ; and it was in vain that we 
hoped for that moderate and pleasant weather which 
former navigators have generally experienced in the lati- 
tude of 00° south, which v.'e reached on the 18th. From 
the time we lost eight of the land unlil* this period, the 
gales blew hard from- the northwest, accompanied v/ith 
heavy rains, cold disagreeable weather, and a dangerous 
sea. We v/ere never enabled to carry more sail than a 
close-reefed main-topsail and reefed foi'esail, and were 
frequently under our storm-staysails. But by keeping the 
chip a point free, she made but little lee-v/ay, v/ent fost 
through tlie Vv'ater, and gave us considerable westing, 
though we were carrying a lieavy press of saU, and were 
frequently deluged with tlie sea that broke into us. The 
movement of every passing cloud was anxiously watched, 
every appearance of the heavens carefully noted, and ouv 
chief employment was comparing the weather we had ex- 
perienced, and present appearances, v.'itii llse accouDls of 
those Avho had preceded us. 

" The eclipse of the moon, on the 14th, had prepared 
us to meet with bad wcatlier ; and we felt much gi-ati^ed 



LITE OF ADMIEAL .rARKAGUT, iiO 

to believe it all over, the weather having now become 
more moderate. As we were as far to tlie west as Cook 
on his first voyage, and nearly as far as La Perouae, 
■when they stood to the northward, and as we had run this 
distance from the straits of Le Maire in as short a time 
as it had ever been done by any ship, we were willing to 
believe ourselves the favorite children of fortune ; ibr the 
weather Ave had yet met had not been so severe as some 
we liad encountered on the coast of North America dur- 
ing our last cruise, and fell far short of the descriptions 
given by the author of Lord Anson's voyage. On the 
afternoon of the 18th a gale came on from the westward, 
v.'hich, for its violence, equalled any described by that 
historian. "We were enabled to force the ship about two 
knots, through a tremendous head sea, v/hich threatened 
every moment destruction to our bowsprit and masts. 
The gale, however, increasing, v/e were soon reduced to 
the main storm-staysail, and from that to bare poles. 
About 12 o'clock the wind hauled around to the south- 
west, and blew ia dreadful squalls, accompanied with 
hail, and tliis enabled us to steer northwest. The squalls 
came at intervals of from fifteen to twenty minutes, with 
so little warning, and with such tremendous blasts, that 
it was impossible to shorten gail ; for to have started tho 
sheets after they had struck the ship, would have been 
attended with the certain loss of the sail. I therefore 
saw no alternative but running before the v/ind whilo 



156 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARRAGUT. 

they lasted, and as soon as they were over, which was 
generally in two or three minutes, hauled again by the 
wind. Thus, by the utmost attention and care, we were 
enabled to get along at the rate of between five and six 
miles per hour ; and on the 21st found ourselves, by esti- 
mation, in the latitude of 57° 30' south, and the longitude 
of 77° west. And ha\'ing now no doubt of succeeding 
speedily in my passage to a friendly port, where wo 
could get supplies, I, to the great joy of all on board, 
ordered the allowance of bread to be increased to two- 
thirds. 

" The weather had for some days been piercing cold ; 
this, with tlie almost constant rains and hails, and the 
water shipped from the heavy seas, and from leaks, kept 
the vessel very uncomfortable, and the clothes of the 
oiBcers and crew veiy uncomfortably wet. The extremi- 
ties of those who had formerly been affected by the frost 
became excessively troublesome to them, so much so as 
to prevent some from doing their duty ; from this cause 
I myself was a considerable sufferer. Many, also, felt 
severely the great want of shoes, and the necessary quan- 
tity of woollen clothing. Their allowance of provisions 
was barely sufficient to satisfy the cravings of nature ; 
and as to refreshments of any kind, they were entirely 
out of the question, our scanty supply obtained at St. 
Catharine's having been long consumed. The fatigues 
of the officers and crew (although I endeavored to alle- 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAERAGUT. 07 

viate them as mucli as possible, by only keeping the 
watch on deck) were very considei'able, for deceitful "in- 
tervals of modei'ate weather would for a moment encour- 
age us to make sail, when, in a few minutes afterwards, 
blasts, accompanied with rain and hail, would threaten 
destruction to our sails and spars. We had felt appre- 
hensive of a current setting constantly to the eastward, 
but did not believe tliat it could in two days have taken 
us four degrees to the eastward of our reckoning. But 
great and mortifying as this discovery was to us, it Avas 
not to be overcome but by renewed efforts and fortitude ; 
and as the wind came round to the northward, it gave 
us a prospect of soon recovering our lost ground. I 
therefore permitted the crew to continue to draw then' 
increased allowance of bread, as I did not wish them to 
feel the extent of my disappointment ; which, perhaps, 
would have been attended with a depression of their 
spirits, and might have produced that dreaded disease, 
the scurvy, from which we have been hitherto exempt 
in a most extraordinary degree, not the least sympton yet 
appearing on board. The crew, notwithstanding their 
constant labor, fatigue, and privations, have enjoyed most 
extraordinary spirits. They coiitinucd their usual diver- 
sions during the gales ; labored with cheerfidness when 
labor was requisite ; not a murmur or complaint was 
heard, but all seemed determined to share with their 
officers every fatigue, and to exert themselves to the ut- 



98 LIFE OF ADMUiAL FAKKAGDT. 

most to conquer every difficulty. To be sure we had not 
been Ion;; in those seas, but since we had left America 
they have been deprived of almost every comfort of life ; 
and so great was their desire now for fresh provisions 
that a rat-was esteemed a dainty, and pet monkeys were 
sacrificed to appease their longings. Our provisions and 
Avatcr still continued good ; the bread, to be sure, had 
been attacked by worms and weevils, but they had only 
in a slight degree altered its qualities. Our peas and beans, 
however, had not escaped so well ; for, as in this cold 
climate the allowance of v/ater enabled us to spare enough 
to permit the boiling and use of them, I directed them to 
be served ; but on opening the barrels that contained them, 
wc found only a mass of chaff and ^vorms. The I'ats, 
also, had found the vi,'ay into our bread-rooms, and had 
occasioned a great consumption of that precious article. 
As to our v>ratcr, none could be sweeter or purer ; it had 
not undergone the slightest change. And the only fact I 
tiiink it necessary to state in support of this asserlion is, 
that a live mullet, nearly three-quarters of an inch in 
length, v/as this day pumped from a cask filled willi the 
water in the river Delaware ; had this water imdergonc 
any corruption, the fish could not certainly liavc existed 
in it. Tills little lish I have put in a bottle of its native 
v\^iter, with a view of preserving it alive. From its size, 
I shoidd suppose it to have been produced from the 
spawn while in the cask. The water taken in at St. 



LIFE OF ADMIKAL FAERAOUT. 99 

Catharine's wag found lo be equally good ; and my own 
experience novv^ enables me to assure all navigators, that 
the only precaution necessary to have good water at sea 
is, to provide casks made of well-seasoned staves, have 
them cleansed, and filled with pure water. Sliould it be 
necessary at any time (for the trim or safety of the ship, 
wliich is sometimes the case) to fill them with salt water, 
particular care must be taken that they be filled and well 
soaked and cleansed with fresh water before they are 
filled with the water intended for use. These particulars, 
Ji3 I have before observed, have nc\er been neglected by 
me since I had the command of a vessel, and conse- 
(]^uently no one on board has ever sufifered from the use 
of bad water. This is an object that well merits the at- 
tention of every commander, when the chief comfort and. 
the health of his crew are so much dependent thereon- 
For who has experienced, at sea, a greater enjoyment 
than a draught of pure water ? Or who can eay that the 
ship-fever and scurvy do not originate frequently in the 
disgusting water which seamen are too often driven to 
the necessity of drinking at sea, even when their clomacha 
revolt at it ? 

" On the 21th, after experiencing a heavy gale front 
the northwest, I had the extreme satisfaction to find our- 
selves as far to the v/estv/ard as 80° ; and as tlio wind 
shifted and blew from the southwest, I had no doubt of 
being able to effect our passage into the Pacific Ocean. 



100 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAKRAGUT, 

I cousequently thought it advisable lo increase the allow- 
ance of water, in order that the crew might be enabled to 
spare enough to afford them tea morning and evening, as 
I was convinced it would conduce as much to their health 
as their comfort. When I communicated to them this 
arrangement, I took an opportunity of thanking them for 
their good conduct during our boisterous and unpleasant 
passage around the Cape ; encouraged them to a continu- 
ance of it, by holding out prospects of indulgence to those 
who should so distinguish themselves ; and, as some thefts 
had been committed, for v/hich the perpetrators were (hen 
under the punishment of wearing a yoke, I gave a general 
pardon on condition that the first offender brought lo the 
gangway should receive three dozen lashes. 

•' It was with no little joy Ave now saw ourselves fair- 
ly in the Pacific Ocean, and calculated on a speedy end to 
all our sufferings. We began also to form our projects 
for annoying the enemy, and had already equipped, in 
imagination, one of their vessels of fourteen or sixteen 
guns, and manned from the Essex, to cruise against their 
commerce ; indeed, various were the schemes we formed 
at this time for injuring them, and vv^e had already, in 
fancy, immense v.ealth to return witli to our counlry. 
As the gale continued to blow from the southvrest every 
hour seemed to bi'ighten our prospects and give us fresh 
spirits ; and on the last of February, being in the latitude 
of 50° south, the wind became moderate and shifted to 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAKRAGUT. 101 

the northward, the sea smooth, and every prospect of miUl 
and pleasant weather. I consequently determined to re- 
place the guns and get the spars on the spar-deck ; but 
before we had eiFected this, the wind had freshened up to 
a gale, and by noon had reduced us to our storm-gtaysail 
and close-reefed main-topsail. It hauled around to the 
westward in the afternoon, and blew with a fury even 
exceeding any thing we had yet experienced, bringing 
with it such a tremendous sea as to threaten us every 
moment with destruction. Our sails, our standing and 
running rigging, from the succession of bad Aveather, had 
become so damaged, as to be no longer trustworthy ; we 
took, however, the best means in our power to render 
every thing secure, and carried as heavy a press of sail a8 
tlic ship would bear, to keep her from drifting on the coast 
of Patagonia, wliieli we liad reason to believe was not far 
distant, from the appearance of birds, kelp, and whales, 
Avhicli I have heretofore found to be tolerably siu-e indica- 
tions of a near approach to land, and from the clouds to 
leeward, which appeared as if arrested by the high moun- 
tains of the Andes. From the excessive violence with 
which the wind blew, wc had strong hopes that it would 
be of short continuance ; until, worn out with fatigue and 
anxiety, greatly alarmed with the terrors of a lee-shore, 
and in momentary expectation of the loss of our masts 
and bowsprit, a\ e almost considered our situation hopeless. 
To add to our distress, our pumps had become choked 



102 LIFE OF ADMIliAL FAF.KAGUT. 

by the shingle ballast, vv-hieh, from the violcut rolling of 
the ship, had got into them ; the ship made a gi-eat deal 
of -water, and the sea had increased to such a height as 
to threaten to swallow us at every instant; the ^hole 
ocean was one continued foam of breakers, and the 
heaviest squall that I ever before experienced had not 
equalled in violence the most moderate intervals of this 
hurricane. We had done all that Jay in our povrer to 
preserve the ship from the violence of the elements, and 
turned our attention to the pumps (which we were enabled 
to clear), and to keep the ship from drifting on shore, by 
getting on the most advantageous tack. We, however, 
were not enabled to wear but once, for the violence of the 
wind and sea was such as aftervrards to render it impos- 
sible to attempt it without hazarding the desirucliou of 
the ship and the loss of every life on board. The whole 
of the 1st and 2d of March v.-e anxiously hoped for a 
change, but in vain ; cur fatigues had been constant and 
excessive ; many had been severely bruised by being 
thrown, by the violent jerks of the ship, down the hatch- 
ways, aid I vv-as particularly unfortunate in receiving 
three severe falls, v/hich at length disabled me from 
going on deck. Tlie gale had already blown three days 
without abating ; tlie ship had resisted its violence to the 
astonishment of all, v/ithout having received any con- 
siderable injury ; and Ave began to hope, from her buoy- . 
ancy and other good qualities, we should bo enabled to 



LIFE OF ADMffiAL FASEAGUT. 103 

weather the gale. Yfe had shipped several heavy seas 
that would have proved destructive to almost any other 
ship ; but to us they were attended with no other incon- 
veniences than the momentary alarm they excited, and 
that arising from the immense quantity of water which 
forced its way into every part of the vessel, and kept 
every thing afloat between decks. Hov/ever, about three 
o'clock of the morning of the od, the watch only being on 
deck, an enormous sea broke over the ship, and for an 
instant destroyed every hope. Our gun-deck ports were 
burst in ; both boats on the quarters stove ; our spare spars 
washed from the chains ; our head-rails washed away, 
hammock-stanchions burst in, and the ship perfectly 
deluged and water-logged immediately after this tre- 
mendous shock. The gale, hov/ever, soon after began to 
abate, and in the morning avc were enabled to set our 
reefed foresail. In the height of the gale', Lewis Price, 
a marine, who had long been conlined with a pulmonary 
complaint, departed this life, and was this morning com- 
mitted to the deep ; but the violence of the £ea was such 
that the crew could not be permitted to come on deck to 
attend the ceremony of his burial, as their -weight would 
have strained and endangered the safety of the ship. 

" When this last sea broke on board us, one of the 
prisoners, the boatswain of the Nocton, through excess 
of alarm exclaimed that the ship's broadside was stovo 
in, and that she was sinking. Tiiis alarm A\a3 greatly 



1 



lOi LIFE OF ADMLBAL FAEKAGUT. 

calculated to increase the fears of those below, who, from 
the immense torrent of water tliat was rushing clown the 
hatchways, had reason to believe the truth of his asser- 
tion. Many wlio were washed from the spar to the guu- 
deck, and from their hammocks, and did not know the 
extent of the injury, were also greatly alarmed ; but the 
men at the wheel, and some others, who were enabled by 
a strong grasp to keep their stations, distinguished them- 
selves by their coolness and activity after the shock. I 
took this opportunity of advancing them one grade, by 
filling up the vacancies occasioned by those sent in prizes 
and those Avho were left at St. Catharine's ; rebuking, at 
the same time, the others for their timidity. 

" And now we began to hope for better timfts, for the 
sky became serene, and we were enabled to make sail ; 
the wind sliifted to the S. W., and brought with it the only 
pleasant weather we luul experienced since we passed the 
Falkland Islands. Here again we were deceived, for Ijc- 
fore night it began to blow in heavy squalls, with cold rain, 
and reduced us to close-reefed fore and main topsails, and 
reefed foresail. But as the wind was fair, we consoled 
ourselves with the pleasing reflection that we were every 
moment receding further from the influence of the dreary 
and inhospitable climate of Cape Horn. On the 5th of 
the month, having passed the parallel of Chili, our sufl^er- 
ings appeared at an end, for we enjoyed pleasant and 
temperate Aveather, with fine breezes from the southward ; 



LIFE OF ADMIKAL FAERAGUT. 105 

jind, for tlie first time during our passage, were enabled 
to knock out our dead-liglits, and open our gun-deck ports. 
The repairs of our damages went on rapidly, and by niglit 
the ship was in every respect, excepting wear and tear, as 
well prepared for active service as the day we left St. 
Catharine's. Our latitude at meridian was 39° 20' south ; 
and we had a distant view of part of the Andes, which 
appeared covered with snow. Albatrosses were as usual 
about the ship ; several fish, by sailors denominated sun- 
fish, were seen ; and we frequently passed a Avhite and 
apparently gelatinous snbstance, which we had not an 
opportunity of examining. There was every prospect 
of a speedy arrival in some port on the coast of Chili, 
and I directed the cables to be bent, using every 
means in our power to guard them from the effects of 
rocky bottom. 

'•' Tiie healtli of the crev/ was better than when I left 
the United States, and not the slightest appearance of 
ecur\'y in the ship. We Avere all in high spirits, and ia 
momentary expectation of falling in with some of the 
enemy's ships. It was my intention now to look into 
Mocha, a small uninhabited island on the coast of Chili, 
in the latitude of about 38° 15', and about eight leagues 
distant from the coast. This place, I had nnderstood, 
was a resort for the British vessels employed in smug- 
gling, and in the whale fishery on the coast ; and from 
thence I intended to proceed to St. Maria, another 



lOG LiF].:: OF admiral faeragut. 

imin]inl>itcd island furtlier uortb, also frequented by 
them. Fi'om tliose vessels I hoped to be enabled 
to procure such provisions and other supplies as we 
vvcre in want of, find thereby render our going into 
Conception unnecessary, as I v/as desirous of doing the 
enemy as much injury as possible, without giving any 
alarm on the coast." 

On the morning of March 6th the iicamcn saw, 
twenty miles aAvay, the dark outline of Mocha, rising, like 
an Egyptian pyramid from its sea of yellow sand, above 
the blue main. A few hours later the frigate anchored, 
and the boats were among the breakers. With spy-glasses 
animals had been discovered, and tiie men were all ex- 
citement to get at them and supply the exhausted larder 
v/ith fresh meat, without which, that scourge of sea-life, 
the scurvy, makes sad havoc. The boats find a landing, 
and " cracl: ! crack ! " go the muskets, in the chase after 
wild hogs, till, at dusk, more than a dozen lie in the small 
craft, bound for the Essex. And now a tragedy occurred 
which threv/ a deep shadow over the crew, and the ac- 
count of which further exhibits the fine qualities of Capt. 
Porter's character, the influence of Avhich was very gi-eat 
over all on board, but especially so upon the " young 
gentlemen," many of whom were taken from indulgent 
homes. He records of this evening hunt : " Seeing a 
drove of horses coming along, and every one being anx- 
ious to fire, snd feeling apprehensive of some accident, 



LIFE OF ADailRAL FAERAGUT. lOT 

I directed them to conceal themselves behmd the boats 
that were hauled on the beach, and not to fire until I had 
fired, intending to reserve my shot till they had got a 
position where all could live without the least danger of 
accident. I accordingly fired, and v;as succeeded by a 
volley ; one horse was crippled, and the seamen ran for- 
ward with clubs to knock him dov/n. They already had 
hold of him, when a young officer, who had the misfor- 
tune of being very near-sighted (and v>'ho liad reserved 
his fire, not having seen the drove), ran forward, and 
seeing, in the dark, the group of sailors about the animal, 
supposed it to be the horses, and fired. Unhappily the 
ball passed through the breast of James SpafFox'd, the 
gunner's mate, one of the best and most trusty men in my 
ship. Ifc is impossible for me to express what vvcre my 
feelings, when, with the utmost composure, the poor fel- 
low, with a firm voice, said, ' Sir, you have shot mc ! I 
am a dying man ; take me to the boat.' The distress of 
the officer on the occasion vras beyond description. Dr. 
Hoflfman was on shore, and gave us but little hopes of his 
life, as the ball had entered his right breast, and came 
out bclov/ his right shoulder, near the backbone. A 
boat was immediately sent off to the ship with him, 
accompanied by Dr. Hoffman and the officer who had 
so unfortunately been the cause of the disaster ; and on 
my arrival, Avhich was speedily afler him, I found him 
still alive, but the chief surgeon, Dr. Miller, could give 



108 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAKKAGUT. 

me no reason to believe that he woukl recover. Had it 
not been for this dreadful accident we should have been 
much delighted Vv'ith our excursion on shore, as it had 
not only afforded us a pleasant recreation after our exces- 
sive fatigues at sea, but had enabled us to extend the 
beneflts of it to the whole shijj's company, as we had been 
so successful as to procure a fresh mess for all hands. 
The horse-meat, however, was generally preferred to the 
hogs, it being mucli fatter and more tender ; the hogs 
proved tough, and had besides (to me) an unpleasant 
flavor, though I heard no complaints among the sailors 
on that subject, as their stomachs were perhaps less 
delicate. 

" It was much to be I'egretted that I had been so im- 
prudently indulgent as to permit so many to take muskets 
on shore, on many accounts ; but more particularly on 
account of the accident Avhich happened to poor Spaffbrd. 
The C9nstant firing, by bad marksmen, in every direction, 
not only gi*eatly alarmed the horses and hogs, but made 
them very shy. This prevented the more skilful from 
having an opportunity of killing them ; but many of the 
poor animals were wounded in different parts of the body, 
and made their escape with the blood streaming from 
their wounds ; whereas expert marksmen would not have 
fired imtil they were sure of shooting them through some 
vital part." 

Cruelty is, indeed, a crime. There is no nobler animal 



LIFE OF ADMLRAL FAIJEAGUT. 109 

than the horse, and none is more abused by passionate, 
domineering man. The voice of God and humanity is, 
"Blessed arc the merciful !" a quality which has always 
graced the character of David Glascoe Fakragut. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Sailing In the Fog— Valparaiso— A glad Sight— Tho Welcome— -Xovel Scenes— 
An expected Battle— Life in Chili— Down the Coast— A strange Hermit- 
Ocean Scenes— The Sailor's Punishment and Escape— Sail hoi— A brief 
Order— The Tortoise— A Tomb and Epitaph. 

^^^r\HE cruising ground of the wide Pacific was now 
iHv^ before the Essex. A " sharp lookout" was 
(3<2i^ kept by her men for an Enfdish sail, which, it 
Q^S was thought, vrould be likely to pass between 
^ Conception and Valparaiso. But a heavy fog 
curtained the frigate, through which the enemy could not 
be .seen a mile distant, but through it the roar of the 
dreaded breakers came, whenever the vessel approached 
the highlands of the coast. " On the latter -part of March 
12th light airs sprang up from the southwest, ih^ weather 
began to clear off" slov^^ly, and every eye v»'a3 engaged in 
searching for a sail, as the fog moved to leeward. Noth- 
ing, however, vras to be seen but a wide expanse of 
ocean, bounded on the east by tho dreary, barren, and 
iron-bound coast of Chili, at the back of which the 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAEIiAGUT. Ill 

eternally snow-capped mountains of the Ancles reared 
their lofty heads, and altogetlier presented to us a scene 
of gloomy solitude, far exceeding any thing I ever before 
experienced. No vessels of any description, or the least 
ti'acc of the existence of a human being, was discovered 
on the coast, except in one instance, "when a fire was 
lighted in the evening in a small cove, probably by some 
Indians, or persons engaged in smuggling, and intended, 
no doubt, as an invitation to land." 

bounding a bold point on the 14th, the city ol Val- 
paraiso gladdened the sight of the men of the Essex ; the 
long sandy beach ; the mountain-path to the town, along 
Vi^hich v/ound a drove of loaded mules ; the colors of the 
harbor-shipping flying ; the grim battery guarding it ; all 
burst upon the view from behind a mountain of rocks, 
spreading a murmur of delight over the decks of the 
frigate. The cordial welcome from the authorities was 
unexpected and cheering, tlic people having shaken off 
Spanish rule and opened their ports to all nations. They 
desired American protection, and offered every friendly 
attention. Soon the thunder of salutes rolled over the 
harbor, and the crew rejoiced in the prospect of touch- 
ing land again and replenishing their stores. Mr. Poin- 
sett was then our consul-general in Chili, and messages 
were immediately sent to him. 

Many of the Chilians had never before seen a frigate, 
and stared at its rows of ordnance, while numbers of the 



112 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAEEAGUT. 

crew, who uot till then had looked upon the natives, cu- 
riously watched them. Then commenced the more pleas- 
ing work of pouring into the Essex the cartloads of fruit ; 
apples, peaches, nectarines, melons, and vegetables were 
heaped up until there was no more room. Pigs and 
fovrls were brought in droves and flocks ; when, at length, 
the captain foimd they would crowd h's men, unless he 
stopped making a Noah's ark of his frigate, and so he 
limited the number of the foi-mer to less than two 
hundred. 

All on board were greatly amused by the uses to 
which the hides of tlie abundant Avild cattle are applied ; 
and you will not wonder when you knoAV that " the most 
of the furniture for their mules and horses, and their 
houses, {^md, on some parts of the coast, even their boats, 
or (as they are called) balsas, arc made of this article. 
It is used for every purpose to which it is possible to 
apply it, either vrholc, cut in pieces, or in long strips. 
When used for balsas, two hides, each cut something in 
the form of a canoe, with the seam upward, are blown 
up by means of a reed, and strapped together ; a piece of 
board is then laid across to sit on, and on this frail ma- 
chine Ihey venture a considerable distance to sea. The 
laciue, for the use of which the Chilians arc so famous, 
is formed of a vciy long strip of hide, with a running 
noose ; and their dexterity in using it, in catching animals 
at full speed, is surprising. Every pack-horseman and 



LITE OF ADMIRAL FAKEAGUT. 113 

driver of a jackass is furnislied with one of theso ; and 
60 much do they delight in them, or in showing their dex- 
terity, that when they wish to catcli any one of their 
drove, either to load or unload, or for any other purpose, 
tlicy take their distance, deliherately coil up their laque, ' 
and never fail of throwing it over the neck of the animal 
wauled." 

Brilliaut parties were given by the people for thc 
benefit of tlie Essex ; and in regard to the ladies, the 
Yankee guests thought notv.'ithstanding the paint their 
" features were agTceable, and tlieir largo dark eyes re- 
markably brilliant and expressive. Were it not for their 
bad teeth, occasioned by the too liberal use of the matti, 
the)' would, notwithstanding the Chilian tinge, be thought 
handsome, particularly by those who had been so long as 
we out of the way of seeing any v/omen." 

The matti is a decoction of the herb of Paraguay, 
sweetened v;ith sugar, and sucked hot through a long 
silver tube. To tlie use of this beverage the Chilians arc 
perfect slaves. The taste is pleasant, but it makes ter- 
rible havoc with the teeth. Tohacco slaves cannot re- 
proach the South Americans for their devotion to the 
matti ; and we cannot refrain here from expressing the 
hope that the youthful reader sails clear of botii rum-reefs, 
and the dirty shoals of the vile weed, where health and 
morals are often impaired, if not ruined. 

Suddenly the appearance of a sail interrupted social 



114 LIFP] OF ADMIKAL FAEEAGUT. 

enjoyments, and the crew hastened to their stations, and 
the Chilians to the hill-sides, in expectation of a naval 
engagement. But the Portuguese colors quickly disap- 
pointed both parties, when an " invitation was brought to 
the frigate to dine and spend the evening with the gov- 
ernor, who, it was seen by the flags about the battery in 
fi'ont of his house, had made great preparations for the 
occasion ; the etitertaioment Avas given by the order and 
at the expense of the superior government of Chili. The 
company were seated in an extensive tent, handsomely 
and fancifully decorated with the flags of different nations, 
and the ground covered with rich carpets ; (he dinner was 
served np in silver plate, and, with the exception of the 
blades of the knives aloue, no otlier metal or substance 
whatever was used for any part of tiie table equipage. 
The dinner consisted of at least twenty changes ; and by 
the time ihe third course had been removed, the guests 
had cauKc to regret that they had not reserved their appe- 
tites for some of the delicacies which we perceived "were 
likely to succeed the, substantial food of the first course, 
with which the keen appetites Avere soon cloyed. The 
officers of the Portuguese ship, and some English mer- 
chants, v/cre also at table ; but when the wine began to 
circulate, and the Chilian officers to feel the ardor of their 
patriotism, sueh flaming toasts were given as to make 
them think it prudent to retire." 

These retiring officers evidently did not relish the com- 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAERAGLT. 115 

plimeuts the wine gained for the United States. The next 
day the Essex weighed anchor for the " high seas." 

With the hist week in March came the renewed 
chase after prizes off the coast of Callao, where poor 
Spafford, Avho was wounded in the horse-hunt, died, and 
was buried in the deep according to the Episcopal service, 
whicli, always impressive, is never more so than on the 
ocean. 

Two curious phenomena were witnessed here — the 
sea fiUed witli craw-fish, tinging the water blood-red, and 
in otlier places covered with pelicans and various aquatic 
birds, Ijeneath whose shadow ran schools of fish, v.diich, 
says the commander, " were to be seen in great numbers, 
constantly pursued by seals, bonetas, and porpoises ; and 
such as attempted to escape their ravenous jaws by junp p- 
ing oiit of the water, were immediately snapped up by 
the innumerable swarms of birds that were hovering over 
them. 

" On oiu- arrival on Ajugia, we had another oppor- 
tunity of witnessing a similar scene ; and as the water 
was perfectly smooth and the winds light, Ave Avere enabled 
to examine it more minutely. Wc discovered the sea 
boiling violently in many places ; and v.dierever this was 
the case, vast numbers of seals, large fish, and birds, were 
apparently in pursuit of small fish. On approacliing one 
of these places, the water had so much the appearance of 
having been put into action by violent currents, opposed 



116 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAKRAain'. 

by sunken rocks, that I felt some imeasiness, and directed 
the helm to be put a-weather to avoid it ; however, the 
next one had the same appearance, and was equally at- 
tended by fish. I therefore steered close to it, and saw 
t'lat in tlie centre of the agitated spot (which bore the 
appearance of water boiling in a pot) wci*.e myriads of 
small fish, collected together, and appeared as though it 
■WLi-o impossible for them to escape from this violent 
Mhirlpool, which was so powerful as to aiTect consider- 
ably the steerage of the ship. Whether this boiling of 
the water was occasioned by the vast numbers of seals 
and large fish Avhich kept constantly darting in among 
the small fry, Avhich v,-ere drawn as it were to a focus, I 
will not pretend to aiiy. L, is possible, hovv'cvcr, that 
wdiales, or some fish perhaps nearly as large as whales, 
v/hicli did not show tlicmselves above the surface, might 
also have been concerned in the pursuit, and occasioned 
the agitation tliat so much surprised us ; for I cannot 
til ink it possible that the seals and bonetas, numerous as 
they v.'cre, could have produced so violent a commotion." 
The Essex sails over the comparatively tranquil waters 
of the Pacific toward the Gallipagos Islands, in search of 
English wlialcrs, giving the "young gentlemen" an ac- 
qviaintauce with that largest hind of fisliinn. To many 
of them, the first view of a ship for this perilous business, 
■with its boats for harpooning, its try-kettles for separating 
the oil from blubber, the tackle which holds the monster, 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARKAGUT. 117 

Fomelimes nearly a limidred feet in length, to the side of 
the vessel till stripped of the coating of fat, was a ncAv 
spectacle. And to think of those vessels for three or four 
years in distant seas, till the value of the oil has reached 
often more than $100,000, when the crews return home 
to find both pleasant and moui-nful changes in thch' dwell- 
ings, and the communities around them ! 

I must give you here a letter found in the liarbor of 
Chai-les' Island, by Lieutenant Downe?, over v.hicli the 
people of the Essex had a laugh : 

June 14th, 181*2. 
Ship Sukey, John Macy 7} Months out 150 Barrels 
75 days from Lima No oil Since Leaving that Port. 
Spanyards Very vSavage Lost oa the Braziel Bank Johu 
Scalin Apprentice to Capt Benjamin Worth Fell from 
tlie fore top sail Yard In A Gale of Wind. Left Diana 
Caj)t paddock 1-4 day Since 250 Barrels I Leave this 
port this Day With 250 Turpen 8 Boat Load Wood Yes- 
terday Went Up to Patts Landing East Side, to the 
Starboard hand of the Landing U- Miles Saw 100 Tur- 
pen 20 Rods A part Road Very Bad 

Yours Forevir 

J'ouN IMact. 

There is a strange, and though in low life, a roman- 
tic story alluded to in this epistle which docs not speak 
well for the early education of Captain Many, alrbrding 



118 LIFE OF x\DMIRAL FAEEAGUT. 

you another glimpse of the unwritteu history of many a 
stray representative of our common hun-ianily, in the 
solitudes of land and sea. 

" Lieutenant Downcs saAv on the rocks with whirh the 
bay was in many parts skirted, several seals and pelicans, 
some of which he killed ; but, on searching diligently the 
shore, wtis imable to hnd any land tortoises, though they 
no doubt abound in other parts of tlie island. Doves 
wei'c seen in gi'cat numbers, and were so easily ap- 
proached that several of them v>'ere knocked over wdth 
stones. While our boat was on shore. Captain Randall 
sent his boat to a small beach in the same bay, about a 
mile from where our boat landed, and in a short time she 
returned loaded with fine green turtle, two of which he 
sent us, and wx found them excellent. It may be seen by 
Captain Macy's letter, that on the east side of the island 
there is anotlier landing, which he calls Pafs landing ; 
and this place will probably immortalize an Irishman 
named Patrick Watkins, who some years since left an 
English ship and took up his abode on this island, and 
built himself a miserable hut, about a mile from the land- 
ing called after him, in a valley containing about two 
acres of ground capable of cultivation, and perhaps the 
only spot on the island which affords sufficient moisture 
for the purpose. Here he succeeded in raising potatoes 
and pumpkins in considerable quantities, which he gen- 
erally exchanged for rum, or sold for cash. The appear- 



LIFE OF ADMIKAL FAKUAGUT. 119 

ance of this mau, from tlie accounts I have received of 
liim, was the most dreadful that can be imagined ; ragged 
clothes, scarce sufficient to cover his nakedness, and cov- 
ered with vermin ; liis red hair and beard matted, hia 
skin much burnt from constant exposure to the sun, and 
so wild and savage in his manner and appearance that 
he struck cverv one Avilh liorror. For several years this 
Avretched being lived by himself on this desolate spot, 
without any apparent desire than that of procuring rum 
in sufficient quantities to keep himself intoxicated, and, 
at such times, after an absence from his hut of several 
days, he w^ould be found in a state of perfect insensibility, 
rolling among the rocks of the mountains. He appeared 
to be reduced to the lowest grade of which human nature 
is capable, and seemed to have no desire beyond the tor- 
toises and other animals of the island, except that of get- 
ting drunk. But this man, -wretched and miserable as he 
may have appeared, was neither destitute of ambition nor 
incapable of undertaking an enterprise that would have 
appalled the heart of any other man ; nor was lie devoid 
of the talent of rousing others to second his hardihood. 

'• He by some means became possessed of an old 
musket, and a few charges of powder and ball ; and the 
possession of this weapon, probably first stimulated his 
ambition. He felt himself strong as the sovereign of the 
island, and Avas desirous of proving his strength on the 
first human being that fell in his way, which happened to 



120 LITE OF ADMreAL FAEKAQCT. 

bo a negro, wlio was left in charge of a boat belonging to 
an American ship that had touched there for refresh- 
ments. Patrick came do-\\Ti to the beach where the boat 
lay, armed with liis musket, now become his constant 
companion, directed the negro, in an authoritative man- 
ner, to follow him, and on his refusal snapped his musket 
at him twice, which luckily missed fire. The negro, how- 
ever, became intimidated, and followed him. Patrick 
now shouldered his musket, marched off before, and on 
his way up the mountains exultingly informed the negro 
that he vras henceforth to work for him, and become his 
Blave, and that his good or bad treatment would depend 
on his future conduct. On arriving at a narrow defile, 
and perceiving Patrick off his guard, the negro seized the 
moment, grasped him in his arms, threw him down, tied 
his hands behind, shouldered him, and carried him to his 
boat, and when the crew had arrived he was taken ou 
board the^ship. An English smuggler was lying in the 
harbor at the same time, the captain of which sentenced 
Patrick to be se\erely whipped on board both vessels, 
which was put in execution, and he was afterwards taken 
on shore handcuiTcd by the Englishmen, who compelled 
him to make known where he had concealed the few dol- 
lars he had been enabled to accumulate from the sale of 
Lis potatoes and pumpkios, which they took from him. 
But while they were busy in destroying his hut and gar- 
den the wretched being made his escape, and concealed 



LIFE OF iUJMUiAL FARRAOUT. 121 

iiiiYrself araong tlic rocks in the iuterior of the island un- 
til the ship had sailed, when he ventured from his hiding- 
pUice, and by means of an old fde, Avhich he drove into a 
tree, freed himself from tlie handcufTs, He now medi- 
tated a severe revenge, but concealed his intentions. Ves- 
sels continued to Umch there, and Patrick, as usual, to 
furnish them with vegetables ; but from time to time he 
was enabled, by administering potent draughts of Iiis dar- 
ling liquor to some of tlio men of tlieir crews, and getting 
them so drunk that they were rendered insensible, to con- 
ceal them until tlie sliip had sailed ; when, finding them- 
selves entirely dependent on liim, they willingly enlisted 
under his banners, became his slaves, and he the most 
absolute of tyrants. By this means he had augmented 
tlie number to five, including himself, and every means- 
was u^cd by him to endeavor to procure arms for them, 
but without effect. It is supposed that his object was to 
luive surprised some vessel, massacre her crev/, and take 
her off. "While Patrick was meditating his plans, two 
ships, an American and an English vessel, touched there, 
and applied to Patrick for vegetables. He promised 
them the greatest abundance, provided they would send 
their boats to his landing, and their people to bring them 
from his garden, informing them that his rascals had be- 
come so indolent of late that he could not get the'm to 
work. This arrangement vras agreed to ; two boats were 
sent iVom each vessel and hauled on the beach. Their 
6 



122 LIFi: OF ADMIRAL FAEEAGUT. 

crews all v.'cut to Patrick's liabitation, but neither ho nor 
any of his people were to be found ; and, after waiting 
until their patience w^as exhausted, they returned to the 
beach, where they found only the wreck of three of their 
boats, which were broken to pieces, and the fourth one ' 
missing. They succeeded, however, after much difUculty, 
in getting around to the bay opposite to their ships, where 
other boats were sent to their relief ; and the commanders 
of the ghips, apprehensive of some other trick, saw no 
secui'ity except in a flight from the island, leaving Patrick 
and his gang in quiet possession of the boat. But before 
they sailed they put a letter in a keg, giving intelligence 
of the affair, and moored it in the bay, where it was 
found by Captain Randall, but not until he had scut his 
boat to Patrick's landing for the purpose of procuring re- 
freshments ; and, as may be easily supposed, he felt ho 
little inquietude until her return, when she brought him a 
letter from Patrick to the following purport, which was 
found in his hut : 

" ' Sir : I have made repeated applications to cap- 
tains of vessels to sell me a boat, or to take me from this 
place, but in every instance met with a refusal. An op- 
portunity presented itself to possess myself of one, and I 
took advantage of if. I have been a long time endeavor- 
ing, by hard labor and suffering, to accumulate wherewith 
to make myself comfortable ; but at different times have 



LIFE OF ADMraAL FARRAGET. 123 

been i'ol)becl and maltreated, and in a late instance by- 
Captain Paddock, -whose conduct in punishing mo, and 
robbing me of about five hundred dollars in cash and 
other articles, neither agrees with the principles he. pro- 
fesses, nor is it such as his sleek coat -^vould lead one to 
expect.* 

'"On the 29th of May, 1809, I sailed from the en- 
chanted island in the Black Prince, bound to the Mai-- 
qucsas. 

" ' Do not kill the old hen ; she \s now sitting, and 
will soon have cliickens. 

" ' (Signed) Fatherless Oderlus,' 

" Patrick arrived alone at Guyaquil in his open boat, 
the rest who sailed with him having perished for want of 
water, or, as is generally supposed, were put to death 
by him on his finding the water to grow scarce. From 
thence he proceeded to Payta, where he wound liimself 
into tlie affection of a tawny damsel, and prevailed on 
her to consent to accompany him back to his enchanted 
island, the beauties of Avhich he no doubt painted in glow-- 
ing colors ; but, from his savage appearance, he wa:n 
there considered by tlie police as a suspicious person, and 
being found under the keel of a small vessel then ready 
to be launched, and suspected of some improper inten- 

* Captain Paddock was of tlie Society of Frieuds. 



13-1 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAERAGCT. 

tions, he was coufmcd iu Payta gaol, where he now re- 
mains ; and probably owing to this circumstance Charles' 
Island, as well as the rest of tlie Gallipagos, may remain 
vmpopulated for many ages to come. This reflection may 
naturally lead us to a consideration of the question con- 
cerning the population of the other islands scattered about 
the Pacific Ocean, respecting which so many conjectures 
have been hazarded. I ehall only hazard one, which is 
briefly tliis : that former ages may have produced men 
equally as bold and as daring as Pat, and women as 
Vv^illing as his iair one to accompany them in their adven- 
turous voyages. And when Ave consider the issue which 
might be produced from a union between a red-haired wild 
Ii'ishman and a copper-colored mixed-blooded squaw, v^e 
need not be any longer surprised at the diftcrcnt varieties 
in human nature. 

" If Patrick should be liberated from durance, and 
arrive with his love at this enchanting spot, perhaps 
(when neither he nor the Gallipagos ai-c any longer re- 
membered) some future navigator may surprise the world 
by a discovery of them, and his accounts of the sti-ange 
people with which they may probably be inhabited. 
From the source from which they shall have sprung, 
it docs not seem unlikely that they will have one trait 
in their character Avhich is common to the natives of all 
the islands in the Pacific, a disposition to appropriate to 
themselves the property of others. From this circum- 



LITE OF ADMIEAL FAERAGUT. 125 

Stance, future speculators may confound tlieir origin with 
that of all the rest." 

About and on these islands, besides gvianas, huge 
tortoises, and seals, were also enormous sharks, ■which 
friglitened the crew by swimming around the boats in 
which the men were now rowing, snapping at the oars 
and threatening to (car the Ihin plank from the timbers, 
and leave the inmates of the frail barii in the v/ater, 
where the ferocious attendants would enjoy the banquet 
thus unceremoniously spread. 

April 23d ihc Essex v/as a novel spectacle. She 
had tm-ned the point of Narborough, expecting to come 
in sight of prizes ; and, so great was the anxiety for the 
excitement and the results of a chase, or even a fight, 
that the officers and men, down to the boys, hung in 
every part of tlio rigging like gigantic spiders in a great 
while web, watcjiing for a speck of canvas. Suddenly 
the cry of " Sail, ho !" and then another, made the Essex 
a hive of busy workers in the preparation for a hunt or 
battle. But how illusory are human anticipations ! Not 
fleecy clouds, l)ut snowy appearances of the shore in the 
distance, had deceived them, and onward, as if sullenly 
watching for realities, the frigate ploughed her way through 
the undulating deep. A landing was made. Here is what 
the captain says of Narborough and its sailor-hermit : 
" The whole island is a light and tlilrsty soil, composed 
entirely of volcanic matter, and probably owes its origin 



126 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAERAGUT. 

to no distant period, lor tlie Aolcauic cinders and other 
appearances lying on every part of the surface, as well 
as the innumerable craters and hills composed of ashes 
and lava, all apparently fresh, and in nio.st parts destitute 
of verdure, sufficiently prove that they have not long been 
thrown from the bowels of the ocean. These thirsty 
moimtains, like a sponge, soak from the passing clouds 
the moisture, whicli serves to Iiecp Alive the scanty vege- 
tation scattered over their sides, but they permit none of 
it to escape in springs or streams of water for the sup- 
port of animal life. On the side of a rock at this v^ater- 
ing-place we found the names of several English and 
American ships cut, whose crews had been there ; and 
but a short distance from thence was erected a hut, built 
of loose stones, but destitute of a roof. In the neighbor- 
hood of it were scattered in considerable quantities the 
bones and shells of land and sea tortoises. This I after- 
wards txnderstood was th.e work of a wretched English 
sailor who had been landed there by his captain, destitute 
of everything, for having used some insulting language to 
him. Here he existed near a year on land tortoises and 
guanas, and his sole dependence for Avater was on the 
piTcarious supply he could get from the drippings of the 
rocks; at lenglh, finding that no one was likely to come 
to take him from thence, and fearful of perishing for the 
want of water, he formed a determination to attempt at 
all hazards getting into Banks' Bay, where the ships 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAEEAGUT. 127 

cruise for Avliales. With this view he provided himself 
with two seal skins, with which, blown up, he formed a 
float ; and, after hazai-ding destruction from the sharks, 
which frequently attacked his vessel, and which he kept 
off with the stick that served him as a paddle, he suc- 
ceeded at length in getting alongside an American ship 
early in the morning, where his unexpected arrival not 
only surprised but alarmed the crew. His appearance 
was scarcely human, clothed in the skins of seals, his 
countenance haggai-d, thin, and emaciated, his beard and 
hair long and matted, they supposed him a being from 
another world. Tlie commander of the vessel where he 
arrived felt a great sympathy for his sufferings, and de- 
termined for the moment to bring to punishment the vil- 
lain who had, by thus cruelly exposing tlie life of a fel- 
low-being, violated every principle of humanity." Great 
amusement was here afforded the men in taking the 
variety of fine fish, among which was an " enormous 
sea-lion" secured — sport, the record of vv-liich will make 
the fingers of some of my readers tingle. 

April 28th, 1813, just as the east glowed with the 
promise of a beautiful day, to the cot of the heroic com- 
mander, where he had " passed a sleepless and anxious 
night," came tlie welcome cry again : " Sail, ho ! Sail, 
ho ! " which was reechoed through the Essex with a will. 
Then she is in harness for the chase, and hour after hour 
pursues the British wlialor, which at nine o'clock is over- 



128 LIVE OF ADMIRAL F^VERAGnT. 

taken and soon captured. Before Bundown two more 
graced the traiyi of the frigate, boarded and taken by men 
in open boats, and altogether worth $500,000. And here 
we have, in the commander's words, a fine improvement 
of late experiences, vahiable to all young people : 

" The ease with which the last vessels were taken by 
oxxv open boats gave ns but a poor opinion of Brhish 
valor ; and the satisfaction which the possession of these 
valuable vessels gave us, made us forget for a moment 
the hardships of Cape Horn, and the time we had spent 
Avithout seeing an enemy. It also afforded us a useful 
lesson, as it convinced us we ought not to despair of 
success under any circumstances, however unfortunate 
they may appear ; and that, although the patient and 
persevering may for a time meet with disappointments, 
Providence \\'ill at length give the reward. Slight 
murmurings had on one or two occasions been heard 
from some of the crew, occasioned by our want of success 
heretofore ; and with a view of preventing it in future, I 
considered it advisable to inculcate this maxim by the 
following note : 

'"Aprino, 1813. 

" ' Sailohs and Marines : Fortune has at length 
smiled on us, because we deserved her smiles, and the 
first time she enabled us to display /ree trade and sailors' 
rights, assisted by your good conduct, she put in our pos- 
session near half a million of (he enemy's property. 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARRAGDT, 129 

" * Continue to bo zealous, enterprising, and patient, 
and wc will yet render the name of the Essex as terrible 
to the enemy as that of any other vessel, before wc return 
to the United States. My plans shall be made known to 
you at a suitable period. 

*'' (Signed) D. Pouter.'" 

He also describes the " elephant tortoise," peculiar 
to this latitude, weighing sometimes three hundred pounds. 
He walks a foot from the ground, with a heavy motion like 
the animal after which he is named. " The neck of the tor- 
toise is from eighteen inches to two feet in length, and 
very slender ; theu- head is proportioned to it, and strongly 
resembles that of a serpent. But, hideous and disgusting 
as is their appearance, no animal can possibly aftbrd a 
more wholesome, luscious, and delicate food than they do ; 
the finest gxeen turtle is no more to be compared to them 
in point of excellence, than the coarest beef is to the 
finest veal ; and after once tasting the Gallipagos tortoises, 
every other animal food fell greatly in our estimation. 
These animals arc so fat as to require neither butter nor 
lard to cook them, and this fat does not possess that 
cloying quality common to that of most other animals. 
V/hen tried out, it furnishes an oil superior in taste to that 
of the olive. The meat of this animal is the easiest of 
digestion ; and a quantity of it, exceeding that of any other 
food, can be eaten v/ilhout experiencing the slightest in- 



130 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAIiRAOUT. 

convenience. But what seems the most extraordinary in 
this animal, is tlia length of time that it can exist without 
food ; for I have been well assured that they have been 
piled away among the casks in the hold of a ship, where 
they have been kept eighteen months, and when killed at 
the expiration of that time, were found to have suffered 
no diminution in fatness or excellence. They carry with 
them a constant supply of water, in a bag at the root of 
the neck, which contains about two gallons, and on tasting 
that found in those we killed on board, it proved perfectly 
fresh and sweet. They arc very restless when exposed 
to the light and heat of the sun, but will lie in the dark 
from one year's end to the other without moving. In the 
daytime they appear remarkably quick-sighted and timid, 
drav.-ing their head into their shell on the slightest motion 
of any object, but Ihcy arc entirely destitute of hearing, 
as the loudest noise, e^•en the firing of a gun, does not 
eecm to alarm them in the slightest degree, and at night, 
or in the dark, they appear perfectly blind. After our 
tasting the flesh of those animals we regretted that 
numbers of them had been thrown overboard by the 
crews of the vessels before their capture, to clear them 
for action. A fc^v days afterwards, at daylight in the 
morning, avc Avere so fortunate as to find ourselves sur- 
rounded by about iifty of them, which v/cre picked up and 
brought on board." 

Water became the great want, and the islando were 



LIFS OF ADMIEAL FARRAOUT. 131 

eearclied for a spring, or tlie cavity of a rock filled Avith 
God's provision for thirst, more desired and refreshing 
than all the wine of Chili. The fatiguing exploration was 
rewarded with a partial supply, brought over sharp stones 
and through hedges of thorns. How the loss of bless- 
ings so common enhances their value ! 

The prizes were painted up, and the little fleet got 
ready for proceeding on her cruise. The Essex changed 
her color nearly as readily as the Chameleon, to avoid 
recognition by any who sau' her in a particular drei?s. 
One of the last sights on Charles' Island was a solitary 
totnh. Five years before a seaman had been buried 
there, and at the grave's head a white board with a 
ncatly-engi'aved epitaph., which, adds Captain Porter, " I 
give more on account of the extreme simplicity of the 
verse, and its powerful and flattering appeal to the feel- 
ings, tlum for its elegance or the correctness of the eoni- 

position : 

" ' Gentle reader, as you pas3 by 

As you arc now, so woncc was I ; 

As now my body is in the dust, 

I hope in heaven ray soul to rest.' 

■" The tpot where his remains were deposited was 
shaded by two lofty thorn-buslics, which afix)rdcd an 
agreeable shade and fragrance, and became the favorite 
resort of our men at their meuls." How lonely is such a 
resting-place, yet under the ever v^-atchful cyo of Him 
who neither slumbers nor sleeps I 



CHAPTER IX. 

A new Prize— Tho EDglishicea Scold— List of tho Csptiired Voescla— Tolcanfc 
Exhibition— Enchanted Island— Dead Man's Island— A Sad Burial— The 
" Young Gentlemen " Pi-omoted- Essex Junior— Prizes— James' Island— A 
Duel— Off for the Washington Islands— Achievements in tho Pacific. 

^N tlie 29th of May « Sail, ho ! " 's^as heard 
again ; directly ahead was a stranger, imme- 
diately pursued by the Essex. Darkness ended 
the chase till morning, when it Avas renewed, 
^"^ and the armed vessel surrendered upon demand 
by Captain Porter. She proved to be the British letter-of- 
marquo ship Atlantic, mounting six guns, a fast-sailing 
vessel, -which made afterwards quite a figure in the gi'owing 
prize fleet. Scarcely had she been secured before another 
similar ship was discovered, v/hich, upon being approach- 
ed, refused to surrender, till a shot flew through the dai*k- 
ness, between tlic masts. This was tho Greenwich, an 
American, sailing under English colors. When Captain 
Porter inquired how he could sail under the British flag 
while his country was engaged in war, he betrayed the 



LIFE OF ADMIKAL FAIiEAOUT. 133 

f^rnc craven spirit we have had to meet in tlie hate rebel- 
lion ; eajing, " He found no difficulty in reconciling it to 
himself, for, although he was horn in America, he was 
an Englishman at heart," The captive captains flew into 
a passion, cursing the Government of the United States, 
f nd their ill-luck. 

These prizes were especially precious on account of 
their supply of water and various stores, Avhich came in 
the time of greatest need. The men of the Essex bravely 
volunteered to go on board the captured ships, even to tho 
midshipmen, 'antil tho fleet v/as manned, and sailed as 
follows : 

ThG Essex, mounting 40 guns, and 245 men, 



Georgiana, " 


13 " 


" 42 " 


Atlantic, " 


G " 


" 12 " 


Greenwich, " 


10 " 


a 14 «. 


Montoziima, " 


2 " 


" 10 " 


Policy, 


- 


10 " 


Making in all, 


80 gun?, 


333 men. 



The prisoners swelled the number to 420 men. 

It is a great compliment to the Essex, that among 
these desolate islands, while English sailors were con- 
tinually deserting from the tyranny of their vessels, not 
one attempted to leave the humane commander of the 
frigate. 

In the afternoon of June 6th, records Captain Porter, 
" We saw a thick column of smoke rising rapidly as from 



134 LIFE OF ADMIBAL FA2EAGUT. 

itfi centre, ascending to a grant height in the air, where it 
spread off in large while curls, and presented us a grand 
and majestic spectacle. We soon discovered that one cf 
the numei'ous volcanoes had burst forth, but there were 
numerous opinions as to ils situation. Some supposed it 
to be on Narborough, others to the east of Narborough, 
and on the Island of Albemarle. I was of the latter 
opinion, which was confirmed next day when v/e had 
changed our position. At night the v/hole atmosphere was 
illuminated by it, and yet wo could perceive neither flames 
nor sparks thrown out by the crater. The v/inds now 
began to freshen from the southeast, and gave us at 
length some hope of getting from thoso islands, where we 
had been so long and unexpectedly delayed by calms and 
currents. The Spaniards call them the Enchanted Islands, 
probably from the great difficulty vessels have found in 
getting from among them. The title seems well applied, 
and is such a one as I should have felt disposed to give 
them, had (hey been dc5iitule of a name. "W'e have been 
since the 18th of April among them, and the greatest part 
of the time making every effort in our power to escape." 
On the 19th the Essex was ofi' St. Close, or Dead 
Man's Island, which you will find on the map in the Bay 
of Guyaquil, receiving its name from its resemblance to 
a corpse, the head lying toward the west, and is as deso- 
late as a tomb. Here the " best seam.iu on the ship," 
John Rodjrers, while " somewhat inihriated." fell from 



LITE OF ADMIRAL rAKRAGUT. 135 

the mainyard headforemost upon the deck, and shattered 
his skull, killing him instantly — another victim of rum, 
which has laid in the dust of shame and dcatli many of 
the noblest men of all lauds. On Dead Man's Island the 
crew buried poor Rodgers, the prince of the frigate's gun- 
ners, with a simple epitaph on the head-board expressing 
the kindly respect of his comrades : 

Entombed here 
Tho body of Jonx Rodgers, seaman, ^vho departed this life 
June 19th, 1810, aged 32 years. 
Without u si2;h 
He bid this world adieu ; 

Without one pang 
ni3 fleeting spiiit flow. 

Look away to that village of reed-houses, called 
Tumbcz, for a view entirely new, certainly to David, 
and a contrast not unfrequently presented in pagan and 
tropical countries. The rich soil is covered with cocoa, 
melons, oranges, sugar-cane, and sweet potatoes, and the 
verdure glows with perpetual summer. But you see that 
the frail habitations are elevated by posts some distance 
above the ground, to keep out the monstrous alligators 
creeping around them. 

Wc come now to a new and important •step in tho 
lino of promotion to posts of I'csponsibility, for Farragut. 
The losses by death, and the number of prizes, made 
additional officers necessary. Captain Porter, therefore, 
selected from the younger class of the "-middies" the 



136 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAERAGUT. 

reliable boys, to be the nominally prize masters, with 
ab\e seamen around tliem. Our hero, tben twelve yeai-a 
of age, might have been called the " little captain." 
Meanwhile, the decks of the Essex rang with cheers, as 
Lieutenant Downes, who had been away upon a cruise 
of his own, returned with three prize vessels, some of 
which were taken after a brisk cannonading, reddening 
them with the blood of the killed and wounded. These 
captures increased the fleet to m)ie ships, and a new order 
of things was inaugurated. The Atlantic, of which you 
already know something, and Avill yet learn much more, 
because the best vessel excepting the Essex, was named 
the Essex Junior, with a crcAv of sixty men, and Mid- 
shipman Dashiel placed in command. She was to be 
henceforth also a cruiser. July Foui'th ! the glorious 
anniversary — the 36th — da^Tied upon land and sea, both 
marked by our struggle with England to he free 1 And 
hark ! how the thunders of ordnance roll out from tha 
little fleet ; the smoke curtains it, and almost hides the 
Stars and Stripes fluttering in the breeze of the torrid 
zone, while under their glory, shouts arise from all but the 
prisoners of war. 

July 12th the Essex pursued and took the i^iratical 
Seringapatam, a success which gave peculiar rejoicing 
to the Yankee captors. The ship was built iu India for 
Tippoo Saib, and was easily made a formidable fighter, 
mounting twenty-two guns. 



LIFE OF ADMIKAL FAEKAGUT. 137 

The fleet ancliored August 5tli in the bay between 
James Island and Albemarle. A curious and amusing sceuo 
soon follows : The seamen dot the rigging and line the 
sides of the vessels, trimming and painting ; while others 
are continually going and coming with boats, engaged in 
the tortoise hunt. Sec that boat with thirty large serpent- 
like heads lifted from its bottom approach the ship's side, 
and then the awkward prisonei's tumbled on board without 
ceremony, till fourteen tons are safely stowed away. Na 
water or food is needed by them for a year. 

The commander, and Chaplain Adams, rambled over 
Charles' Island beneath the Aevdant mangroves, observing 
the interesting objects described by Captain Calmet, who 
mads the first map of the island. lie says : 

" At every place where we landed on the western side, 
we might have walked for miles through long grass, and 
beneath groves of trees. It only wanted a stream to 
compose a very charming landscape. This isle appears 
to have been a favorite resort of the buccaneers, as we 
not only found seats which had been made by them of 
earth and stoae, but a considerable number of broken 
jars scattered about, and some entirely whole, in which 
the Peruvian wine and liquors of that countiy are pre- 
served. We also foimd some old daggers, nails, and 
other implements. This place is, in every respect, cal- 
culated for refreshment or relief for crews, after a long 
and tedious voyage, as it abounds with wood and good 



138 LnfH OF ADMIEAL FAKRAGUT. 

nncliorage for any number of ships, and sheltered from 
all winds by Albemarle Isle. The watering-place of tho 
buccaneers was entirely dried up, and tliere was only 
found a small rivulet between two hills, running into the 
sea ; tlie northernmost hill forms the south point of Fresh- 
water Bay." 

A duel at sea ! how strangely sound the words. I 
will let the humane and sorrov/ful officer of the Essex 
tell the brief and mournful story : "I have now the pain- 
ful task of mentioning an occurrence which gave me the 
utmost pain, as it was attended by the premature death 
of a promising young officer, v/hereby the service at this 
time has received an irreparable injury, and by a practice 
which disgraces human nature. I shall, hov^ever, throw 
a veil over the v/holo previous proceedings, and merely 
state that without my knowledge the parties met on shore 
at dayliglit, and at the third fu-e Mr. Cowan fell dead. 
His remains were buried the eameday in the spot where 
he fell, and the follov/ing inscription v.'aa placed over bia 

tomb : 

Sacred to the memory 

OF LIEUT. JOHN a COWAN, 

Of the U. S. Frigate Esses, 

Who died here anno 1813, 

Aged 21 year?. 

His loss id ever to be regretted 

By his country ; 

And mourned by his friendd 

And brother ofBcers. 



LITE OF ADMEKAL FAEEAGUT. 139 

" Having entirely clianged tlic appearance of the ship, 
80 that fhe could not bo known from description, or taken 
for a frigate at a short distance ; having made all the re- 
pairs which our sails, rigging, boats, etc., required, I 
buried a letter for Lieutenant Downcs, in a bottle at the 
head of Mr. Cowan's grave, and a duplicate of the same 
at the foot of a finger-post, erected by me, for the purpose 
of pointing out to such as may hereafter visit the island 
the gi-ave of Mr. Cov/an." 

This tragedy -was followed by another that threw the 
people of tlie Essex into a state of considerable excite- 
ment. Rynard, a quartermaster, and a selfish, ambitioua 
oiHcer, who was always at the head of complaining com- 
panies of the seamen when any were to bo found, was 
evidently inclined to get up a mutiny. lie Avas put in 
irons, then sent to the Seringapatam to be set ashore. 
The removal of this turbulent spirit restored quiet and 
order, both enforcing the truth tliat " one sinner destroy- 
eth much good," and also forming a perfect contrast in 
character and career, with tho Catalonian boy. 

Captain Porter thus sums up the achievements to this 
date, the very last days of August, 1813, of the Essex: 
" And nov/ I sliuU notice the important services rendered 
by our coming into the Pacific. In the llrst place, by our 
captures we had completely broken up that important 
branch of British navigation, tho whale-fishery of the 
coast of Chili and Peru, having captured all their vessels 



140 LIFE OF ADMIKAL FAKRAGUT. 

engaged in that pursuit except the ship Comet. By these 
captures we liacl deprived the enemy of property to the 
amount of tr/o and a half millions of dollars, and of the 
services of tlirec hundred and sixty seamen that I liber- 
ated on parole, not to serve against the United States un- 
til regularly exchanged. We had effectually prevented 
them from doing any injury to our own whale-ships, only 
t\vo of Vvhich have hccn captured, and tlicir eaptiTres took 
place before our arrival. Shortly after my appearance in 
those seas, our whale-ships, which had. taken refuge at 
Conception and Valparaiso, boldly ventured to sea in pur- 
suit of whales. On the arrival of the Essex Junior at 
Valparaiso, four of them had returned there with full car- 
goes, and were waiting for a convoy to protect them somo 
distance from the coast, that they might be enabled to 
take advantage of the winter season for getting into a 
port of the United States. This protection Lieutenant 
Downes was enabled to afford them on his departure 
thence ; and the four ships lying thei'e, as well as my 
prize, the Policy, sailed in company with him until ho 
had seen them a sufficient distance beyond tlie usual 
cruising gi-oimd of British armed ships." 

What a sti-ange, exciting life for a boy ! The chang- 
ing scenes of the vast ocean, the lookout for an enemy, 
the chase, the battle often, the gloomily wild and then 
the enchanting coasts and islands of the tropics, all ren- 
dered the experience remarkable, and one rarely enjoyed 



LIFE OF ADMIEAL FAEEAGDT. 14:1 

at any age. I hear young voices exclaim, " I should like 
to have such a voyage." 

There is another side to the mariner's life ; exposure, 
deprivation, and perils. Home, mother, sister, social and 
Sabbath associations, arc not there. But more than this : 
to bo where you can the best ad your ^)art on 
" Life's great Held of battle," 

serving God and your country, is the noblest wish and 
aim of a human heart. 



CHAFPER X. 

The Cnilse to Washington Islands— Cheerfulness— A New Order— A Strange 
People— Tattooing Incidents— Madison's Island— A Wild Englishman— 
"War among the islanders— The "Yankees" in the Fray— Tho DattJo and 
Victory. 

, AVING determined to abandon tlie neighborhood 
of the Galliimgoes, Captain Porter desired to sail 
v^estward along the equator, and find a group 
of islands comparatively unknown, and thus add 
discoveries to his conquests. The conscientious 
regard to duty — a qualif j conspicuous in all distinguished 
men Avho have won an honored name — is apparent in the 
following passage, referring to the attractive hunt for the 
hidden isles : '* But, on reflection, I determined to make 
the best of my way for the V/ashington Islands, as this 
pursuit would have cost some expense of time, an expense 
I had no right to enter into, as the object of Government 
in sending me to sea was to annoy tlie enemy and not to 
make discoveries ; and should any accident happen to tho 
ship in consequence of taking that route, I knew not how 



LIFE OF ADMTEAI. FAREAQUT. 143 

I should be able to justify my conduct in wandering from 
the direct course to the place of our destination." 

'riie Washington Islands were the next goal of the 
Essex, but as yet the crew knew nothing of their future 
cruising ground. I cannot deny my young reader a fresh 
view of the commander's knowledge of men, and of his 
official relations in connection with his breaking the se- 
cret. " I saw no prospect of evil resulting from making 
my plans known ; and as I have ever considered that 
cheerfulness is a more powerful antiseptic than any other 
known, I determined to apply one of the doses which, I 
believe, h.ad heretofore greatly contributed to preserve the 
health of my men. The following note Avas communi- 
cated to them ; and those who know the disposition of 
sailors may readily conceive the cfTcct it produced. For 
the remainder of our passage they could talk and think 
of nothing but the amusements and novelties that awaited 
them in this new v/orJd : 

" ' Wc arc bound to the Western Islands, with two 
objects in vicvr : 1st. That vrc may put the ship in a suit- 
able condition to enable us to take advantage of the most 
favorable season for our return home. 2d. I am desirous 
that you should have pome relaxation and amusement 
ai^.cr being so long at cea, as from your kite good conduct 
you deserve it. 

" ' Wo ra'c going among a people much addicted to 
thieving, treacherous in their proceedings, whose conduct 



144 LIFE OF ADMLEAL FAKEAGUT. 

i3 governed only by fear, and regulated by views to their 
interest. "We must put nothing in their power, bo ever 
on our guard, and prevent, by every means that can bo 
used, disputes and difficulties with them ; we must treat 
them with kindness, but never trust them, and be most 
vigilant where there is the greatest appera'auce of friend- 
ship. Let the fate of the many who have been cut off by 
the savages of the South Sea Islands be a useful warning 
to us. 

" ' It will require much discretion and good manage- 
ment to keep up a friendly intercourse with them ; and in 
the regulations that I shall lay do^vn for this object, I shall 
expect the hearty concurrence of every person under my 



commanc 



" ' Disputes are most likely to arise from traffic with 
them. To prevent them I shall appoint a vessel for the 
express purpose of trading, and shall select an officer and 
four men to conduct all exchanges. Eveiy other person 
is positively forbidden to traffic with the natives, except 
through the persons so selected to conduct the trade. 

" ' No canoes or male natives Vv^ill be permitted to 
come alongside the Essex or any other vessel, except the 
trading ship, on any account, unless it may be the chief 
whom I may designate. And if every person exerts 
himself to carry on the work of the ship, as Avell as to 
enforce the above regulations, and such othei'S as I may 
from time to time adopt, I shall give you time to o.musc 



LIFE OF ADMERAL FAKKAGITr. 146 

yonrselves oa shore. But this indulgence shall cease the 
aioment I discover any relaxation in vigilance or in- 
dustry, p. Porter.' " 

" Land, ho ! Land, ho ! " rang from the maslliead of 
the Essex at noon of October 23d, as Hood's Island rose 
from the sea. The next day the AVashington Isles lay in 
the distance on the bosom of the bright and tranquil 
deep. Captain Roberts, of Boston, discovered them in 
May, 1792, and named them after our great General and 
first President, the Washinrjlon Group^ including Adams, 
Jefferson, and Hamilton ; and presenting, upon getting 
near them, a beautiful appearance. Rich valleys, clear 
streams, and houses grouped on the hill-sides, made in- 
viting landscapes to the ocean-weary people of the Essex. 
The inhabitants, as in the other islands visited, valued 
very highly pieces of iron and whale's teeth, oflcring ani- 
mals and fruits for a small fragment of a hoop, or a 
single tooth. Sometimes a shipload of sandal wood could 
be taken from an island for a few of these dental forms 
of ivory. The natives wore no clothing, and danced, and 
shouted, and clapped their hands, at the sight of the old 
iron hoops. To my young reader it seems impossible 
that men could be so like children ; but pagans are every 
way in their infancy, excepting in the comparative inno- 
cence of childhood — their passions, as we shall soon see, 
are full grown in malignity and violence. 



146 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAREAGUT. 

For (liversiou tioo fish-hooks were offered to three men 
for a bread-fruit each held in his hand. To this proposi- 
tion they agreed. The question was, what would they do 
with the two hooks? When they had received them, one 
of the trio sprang into the water with his bread-fruit and 
swam ashore, settling by his cunning trick of dishonesty 
the difficulty at once. The " middies" amused them- 
selves with the peculiarities of these primitive specimens 
of humanity, who seemed to look Adth awe upon the 
frigate. Nothing was more ciu-ious than the iaiiooing 
which covered their bodies, often with highly-wrought 
figures, making the skin like carved mahogany. 

The original method among the islanders was the 
folloAving : " Tattooing is performed by means of a 
machine made of bone, something like a comb, with the 
teeth only on one side. The points of the teeth are rub- 
bed with a black paint made of bm-nt cocoa-nut shell 
ground to powder, and mixed with water. This is struck 
into the flesh by means of a heavy piece of Avood, which 
serves the purpose of a hammer. The operation is ex- 
tremely painful, and streams of blood follow every l)low ; 
yet pride induces them to bear this torture, and they even 
suffer themselves t© be tied down while it is performing, 
in order that their agony may not interrupt the operator. 
The men commence tattooing as soon as they are able to 
bear the pain, generally at the age of eighteen or nine- 
teen, and are rarely completely tattooed until they arrive 



^ LIFE OF ADMIEAL FAURAGUT. 147 

fit the age of tliirty-tive. The women begin about the 
same age, but have only their legs, arms, and handa 
tattooed, which 13 done with extraordinary neatness and 
delicacy. Some sllglit lines are drawn across their lips. 
It is also the practice with some to liave the inside of 
their lips tattooed, but the object of this ornament I could 
never find out, as it is never seen unless they turn out 
their lips to show it. Every tribe in the island, I ob- 
served, was tattooed after a ditTerent fashion, and I was 
informed that every line had its meaning, and gave to the 
bearer certain privileges at tlieir feasts. This practice 
of tattooing eometimes occasions sores v.hich fester and 
are several weeks before they heal ; it, however, never 
produces any serious consequences, or leaves any scars 
behind." Tattooing is practised now by all classes of 
seamen. 

Here is a recent description of it which will interest 
the curious reader: "It is usually confined to the arms, 
hands, and occasionally to the breast, and we have known 
it to be thus performed. The design being first sketched 
on the skin Avith Indian ink, or charcoal, etc., the artist 
proceeds to delineate the same by means of needles, which 
arc nscd singly, doubly, and trebly. The double and 
treble needles are lashed together with fine silk, the points 
being separated by passing the silk between them. With 
these tools, as with pencils of different degi-ees of fineness, 
the pictures arc outlined and shaded ; finally, by way of 



148 LIFE OF ADMIEAL FAEKAGUT. 

varnish, to bring the subject well out, a black, blue, or 
red mixture is rubbed in. 

" Of course the devices vary according to the taste and 
feelings of the patient and the skill of the operator ; thus 
the pangs of unrequited affection are soothed by hearts, 
and darts, and torches, bridal-wreaths, and true love- 
knots ; professional taste is gratified by representations of 
ships, anchors, guns, swords, and the like ; the mysteries 
of religion are denoted by devices of the cross and crucifix, 
and the sacred monogram I. II. 8., together with the All- 
seeing eye ; while a taste for the fine arts, combined with 
a love of pastoral life, is indicated by portraits of shep- 
herds and shepherdesses, pipes — not tobacco — and crooks, 
lambs, and cottages. 

" We proceed to describe a few specimens which have 
come under our own observation ; and first we request at- 
tention to that dejected looking young sailor ' sighing like 
a furnace.* It is almost needless to mention tho.t he is a 
victim to the tender passion, and in order to appease his 
saflerings the poor fellow has had pictured on his arm 
two hearts, the one large and the other small ; beneath 
the hearts arc two sets of initials, the whole surrounded 
by a nuptial wreath. The picture told its own tale ; the 
hearts and the initials belonged to the lover and his be- 
trothed ; but to which of the two belonged the larger 
heart? There stands his messmate, apparently sufiering 
fi'om the same malady, but in a more intense degree. 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAEEAGUT. 149 

Were it not for his jovial countenance we should deem 
his case desperate, for on his arm, below two crossed 
daggers, is delineated a bleeding heart pierced by a 
flaming dart. 

" Next observe that staid old fellow ; he has weathere<l 
' the battle and the breeze ' for many a long year. He is 
an upright and downright sort of man ; and his taste 
being simple and chaste, liis only adornment consists 
of a pair of pimctured blue bracelets, relieved "with red 
gems. 

" In the month of June, 1856, Ave were Avatching a 
party of sailors belonging to the royal yacht Victoria and 
Albert. One of them evidently cherished domestic hap- 
piness, for he had tlie initials of all his family punctured 
up and down his arm, while on the back of his hand were 
sketched masonic emblems, the mysterious eye, the 
square, and the compasses. On the fther arm, sur- 
rounded with arabesque ornaments, flourished a grim 
alligator ; and to crown all, there appeared a pair of por- 
traits of himself and his lady-love, gr rather, not to be so 
sentimental, of ' the gal he left behind him.' 

" On board the American steamship Niagara (June, 
1857) Ave noticed one of her crew had on his arm the de- 
vice of a cross standing on a pedestal, Avhile on the 
horizontal arm of the cross a bleeding heart at one end 
balanced an anchor at the other. 

" Here is a later example of the American type, in 



150 LIFE OF ADillEAL FAKRAGUT, 

the pcrsoa ' of a man of color, wlio gave the name of 
Andrew Jackson Robinson, and said he had served iu 
the Federal ai'my.' He applied to the magistrate ' for 
relief in a state of great distress.' He explained that he 
deserted from the Forty-first regiment of Liberty Guards 
at the l)altlc of liull Euu, and was afterv>'ards canght and 
imprisoned iu Forti-ess Monroe, from which he managed 
to escape and make his way to England in a vessel named 
the Charles Wesley, in the hold of which he had concealed 
himself. He bared his chest in the court to show that he 
was branded as a deserter, and was thus prevented obtain- 
ing employment in this country. He was also similarly 
branded on one hand. The Star-spangled Banner and 
other emblems of the American Union Averc elaborately 
tattooed in various colors on the skin, and covered the 
whole surface of his breast. He was shoeless, and with- 
out a coat. He said he did not know Avhat on earth to 
do, for here he could get no work. He had been taken 
up for begging, and if he returned to America he would 
be liable to the conscription, if he escaped being shot as a 
deserter. "Well, we may extend Christian charity even 
to a bad man — God help even the best of us ii worthiness 
is to be the standard of acceptance ! At all events, we 
may legitimately pity the fate of a poor fellow who was 
shipwrecked last winter on the coast of Cornwall, whose 
dead body was picked up near Zennor, and who, we trust, 
WU3 identified, owing to his ' left arm being tattooed willi 



LliTE OF .VDMIKAL FAERAGUT. 151 

a rcpre;5cutation of a full-rigged ship, and a sailor having 
the English ensign over his shoulder.' 

" Perhaps the reader -would hardly expect to find the 
Buhjcct ' of man's first disobedience' illustrated on ship- 
board, and yet wc saw a seaman belonging to the Queen's 
favorite little yacht, the Fairy, on whoso arm Avas delin- 
eated Adam and Eve, looking the very incarnation of in- 
nocence. There they stood, one on each side of the Troe 
of Knowledge, listening to the appeal of the serpent, who 
v.as coiled round the trunk of tlie tree. ' The fruit of that 
forbidden tree ' was so faithfully pictured in red, that one 
felt almost inclined to forgive ' the apple-eating traitress' 
for yielding to the teniplatiou. 

" During the month of August, 1<S45, we observed a 
seaman in Portsmouth dockyard who had a crucifix im- 
printed on his right arm, and on his left arm was neatly 
punctured the following verse : 

' From rocks and sands and barren lands, 
Kind fortune set mc free ; 
From great guns and womcu's tongues 
Good Lord deliver me ! ' 

Observe the gallantry of the climax, which seems to imply 
that the noise of the artillery of women's tongues is more 
to be dreaded than the report of great guns." 

Upon casting anchor in the bay off Madison's Island, 
a naked Englishman, in every thing but color like the na- 
tives, came to the ship. Many years he had been among 



152 LIFE OF ADMIRAL. FAEEAGUT. 

tlie tropical islands, speaking their language, and con- 
forming to all their customs ; a man who was educated 
in a Christian land, changed to a savage, and proud to be 
a leader among them. Upon the hills of the island were 
companies of Indians presenting a strange and threaten- 
ing aspect. It was discovered that a war was in progress 
between the people and a fighting tribe beyond the moun- 
tains. And as we shall have the brilliant victories of 
Commodore Farragut to narrate, we will take a partial 
view of the entirely new and exciting scenes of island 
warfare, which intensely enlisted the curiosity and awak- 
ened the enthusiasm of Midshipman Farragut. 

The first thing which attracts attention is the way they 
fought. The hostile tribes assemble on the hill-tops, with 
the valley between them, when a vvarrior from one side 
advances in gay attire, ornamented with feathers, shells, 
and ear-pendants, dancing toward the enemy, and chal- 
lenging to single combat. A shower of stones and spears 
welcomes the challenger, vv'hich he with marvellous dex- 
terity avoids. He is then pursued by a large band of the 
enemy, wlio are in turn met and chased backward. If 
one is knocked down by a stone, the pursuers rush to the 
wounded man, and Avith spears and clubs soon despatch 
their victim, and then carry him away in triumph, each 
dipping his spear in the blood, Avhich must not be wiped off 
but always remain, giving to the weapon the name of the 
dead wan'ior, and increasing its value. They used dings 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAREAGUT. 153 

with great skill, which are made from the fibres of the 
cocoa-nut tree, and wHl throw a stone weighing half a 
pound. So powerful were these, that broken limbs, frac- 
tured skulls, and scars revealed the force and accuracy 
of their sling-shots. Their spears were sometimes weak- 
cued above the blade by holes, so as to break ofi' and 
leave it in the body. 

While the Essex was in communication with the na- 
tives on the shore, comprising three or four tribes, a camp 
was pitched, and a cannon with marines placed there. All 
the Avhile the hostile Happahs from beyond the mountains 
lay along the summits, occasionally descending to the val- 
leys, robbing the plantations, and exhibiting defiance tow- 
ard the frigate. Captain Porter armed his men, and had 
a large gun removed to the base of the mountains by the 
friendly natives at war with the Ilappahs, who promised 
to convey it up the precipitous sides for battle, if our 
forces would join them there. 

The Ilappahs were warned in vain, and seemed re- 
solved to test tlie truth of their scornful declaration that 
the white strangers were cowards. While tilings were in 
this attitude, " an Indian girl," says the general of oui" 
little army, " who had been wandering in the bushes, 
came running toward us, the picture of fear, and with 
terror strongly marked in every feature, exclaimed that 
the Happahs were but a short distance from the camp. I 
directed the alarm gun to be fired ; every person was im- 



154 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAKKAGUT. 

mediately armed with such weapons as presented them- 
selves, and we waited the expected attack behind our 
barrier, the water casks ; but hearing no noise, we sallied 
out to examine the bushes, and supposed it a false alarm : 
but on returning to tlJ» camp, casting our eyes up the 
hihs, we perceived a party skulking among the reeds and 
grass. We got the six-pounder to bear on them, soon 
dislodged them, and had no other interruption or alarm 
during the day. 

" Aboiit eleven o'clock we perceived that our people 
had gained the mountains, and were driving the Ilappahs 
from height to height, who fought as they retreated, and 
daring our men to follow them with tlu'catening gesticu- 
lations. A native, who bore the American flag, v.-aved 
it in triumph as he skipped along the mountains. They 
were attended by a large concourse of friendly natives, 
armed as usual, who generally kept in the rear of our 
men. In about an hour we lost sight of the combat- 
ants, and saw no more of them until about four o'clock, 
when they were discovered descending the mountains on 
their return, the natives bearing five dead bodies, slung 
on poles." 

For several days after \ielory and peace, the Essex 
remained among these pagans, whose ceremonies over 
the dead, and various customs'., revealed the degradation 
of heathenism in contrast with Chris'tiauity, itself often 
disgraced in those morally dark lands by corrupt and 



LITE OF ADMIRAL. FAllRAGUT. 155 

v/ickcd ofHcials and their men from England and 
America. 

Much, you know, has been done Bince that period by 
missionary societies iu both countries t<D elevate the tribes 
of the Marquesas and Idndred isles, where 

" Every prospect pleases, 
And only man is vile." 




CHAPTER XI. 

A Conspiracy— Enm— The Plot frustrated— The Island under the Stars and 
Stripes— The Typee "War— Captain Porter's Defence of his Invasion— Na- 
tive Customs and Island Scenes. 

jHILE the Essex was lying at Madison's Island, 
so called by Captain Porter, but in the native 
dialect Nooaheevah, he discovered a conspiracy 
among his prisoners of war. Its object was 
to get possession of the Essex Junior, and then 
sail away from their captors. They had been allowed 
liberty to visit the shore freely by their magnanimous 
commander, on promise of good behavior. They took 
advantage of the indulgence, and matured their mutinous 
plans. At their head was Lawson, the mate of one of 
the prizes. The night of the 14th of November was ap- 
pointed for the bold attempt to seize the vessel. A part 
of the plot was to mix laudaiuim with the rum drank.by 
such of the crew as were not in the secret, reminding us 
of more recent attempts of our English friends to poison 
and destroy. 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAEEAGUT. 157 

The vigilant officer in charge of the cruiao narrates the 
remainder of the transaction, giving another instance of 
disobedience in which the necessity and the enforcement 
of' law and order on board a man-of-war appears; also 
the formal possession of the island. " Lawson was to 
attend to the rum and laudanum. The third mate, with 
the prisoners on shore, was to got possession of the canoes 
on the beach, and with lliem surprise the ship and take 
her to sea, there being no other \'essel ready to follow her, 
and no powder on board the Essex which would enable 
her to stop them. Such was their plan, and such their 
expectations. I had been informed of it almost as soon 
as it was conceived, was willing to humor the scheme, 
and gave them every opportunity of making the trial, 
adopting, at the same time, suitable means to have them 
secured and punished for their perfidy. At the time of 
the formation of this plan, and while Lawson and the 
others were using their greatest exertions to get rum at 
any price, our rum casks were lying on the gun-deck un- 
der charge of a sentinel, where they had been put while 
we were smoking the rats. Two of the sentinels were 
detected, one in conniving, and the other in assisting some 
persons in stealing rum. I did not inquire who were 
those concerned in the theft, lest the discovery might 
make known to the conspirators my knowledge of their 
scheme. I therefore punished the sentinels severely for 
not putting them to death ; informed the crew generally 



168 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAEBAGUT. 

of the most absolute necessity for extraortlinary vigilance ; 
and told the marines that for the next neglect of duty I 
should punish the offender to the utmost extent of my 
power. 

" The next evening, after going my I'ounds at the 
camp, to sec that every thing -was riglit, I went to bed, 
and at half-past ten o'clock, not hearing the sentinel at 
the bakehouse call out 'All's v/cll,' I int[uired the cause. 
The sergeant of the guard, on examination, reported to 
me that the sentinel was lying down asleep, and that he 
had not disturbed him. I determined now, should this be 
the case, to punish him as he deserved. I felt the neces- 
sity of vigilance, not only on account of our prisoners, 
but on account of the natives. I felt persuaded that we 
owed the friendly footing on w^hich we now stood with 
them entirely to our convincing them xi-c were always on 
our guard, and I was determined that the safety of the 
whole should not be hazarded by the neglect of the ma- 
rines. I therefore seized my pistol, and, followed by the 
sergeant and a guard, proceeded for the bakehouse, where 
we found the culprit fast asleep, his musket lying beside 
him. I directed him to be seized, and, at the same mo- 
ment he Avas wounded through the fleshy part of the thigh. 
This example had a proper effect, and rendered every per- 
son more vigilant, particularly the marines. I shall make 
no further comments on this affair. If the punishment 
should appear a severe one, let those Avho censure me 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAERAGUT. 159 

place themselves for a moment ia my situation : I was 
far distant from the means of obtaining a judicial inquiry 
into his offence, -which would probably have terminated 
fatally for him ; promptness and vigilance on my part 
were the only sure gaiarantees to the success of a cruise 
so highly important to the interests of my country. 

" As I before observed, Sunday night v/as the period 
fixed on by the conspirators for making their attempt. But 
unfortunately (or rather foi'tunately) for them, it so hap- 
pened that a ship hove in sight off' the mouth of the har- 
bor on Saturday afternoon, and, on discovering us, stood 
oir to sea under a press of sail. The Essex Junior imme- 
diately slipped her cables and gave chase to her, and not 
expecting her back before Monday, I put all my prisoners 
in irons, and thus at once frustrated a scheme v/hich had 
wholly engrossed them for the last week. AVith a deter- 
mination that I would make them suffer for violating their 
parole, 1 sent tliem all on shore to the village, and set 
them to work in building a wall to surround it, wluch was 
finished before ray departure from the island. 

" Another very disagreeable event occurred. Robert 
Dunn, quartermaster, had been threatened by the officer 
of the watch with punishment for some neglect of duty. 
Dunn said that the time for which he enlisted had expired, 
and if he was punished he would never again do duty in 
the ship. When this was reported to me, it occasioned 
me much uneasiness. Most of my crew Avcrc in the situ- 



IGO LIFE OF ADMIKAL FAKEAGUT. 

ation of Dunn, and it became necessary to find a remedy 
for the evil. Promptness and decision were indispensable, 
and with as little loss of time as possible I caused all 
hands to be called on the quarter-deck, where I informed 
them of the offence of Dunn. Then directing him to 
strip, I assured him that I should punish him severely, 
and, to pi'event his ever doing duty in the ship, I should 
turn him on shore on the island ; observing that his time 
was out, and it was proper he should have his discharge. 
After this, addressing myself to the ship's company, I ex- 
postulated with them on the impropriety and the evils 
likely to result from such conduct as Dunn's, and ex- 
pressed a determination to have no man under my com- 
mand who had it in his power to gay his time vras out, 
and he would no longer do duty. I informed them that 
the times of many were out, and from that moment I 
gave up all claim on them for their services ; that they 
were their own masters, and should have their discharge 
on the spot. If they wished to enlist again for the cruise, 
I would enlist them, give them the usual advance, and, on 
a suitable occasion, give them three days' liberty on shore. 
That such as refused to enlist, but would bind themselves 
to do duty, might remain on board till I would have an 
opportunity of putting them on shoi'o in some civihzed 
place. They should be supplied with provisions, but 
should be allowed neither pay nor prize-money. Such 
as wished their discharge were called on for then* names, 



LIFE OF" ADMIRAL FAKKAGUT. 161 

in order that it might be made out in form, and they were 
all informed that the shipping papers were laid open for 
all such as wished to enter. I now was about proceeding 
to the punishment of Dunn, when most of the officers, 
petty officers, and seamen, came forward and solicited his 
pardon, stating that he appeared intoxicated at the time 
he made the observation, and not sensible of the offi^nce 
he committed. Dunn also begged forgiveness most ear- 
nestly, and hoped, Avhatever other punishment I might in- 
flict, I would not turn him on shore. ^He was sensible 
his offijnce had been a great one, but pleaded intoxication, 
and as a proof of his attachment to the ship, requested 
his name to be placed first on the list. I thought it on 
the whole advisable to pardon him ; the men were all dis- 
missed ; every man of all the ships reentered except one, 
who, from some foolish whim, did not wish to rconlist, 
although he was desu'ous of remaining, doing duty, and 
receiving pay. I determined not to depart from the prin- 
ciples laid down. I stopped his pay, and afterwards sent 
him to America in the ISTev/- Zealauder. This affair 
(which, when joined to conspiracies, neglect of duty, and 
my ditliculties with the tribes, had caused me much un- 
easiness) y\cis now settled. 

" On the 19th JN'ovcmbcr, the American flag v\as dis- 
played in our fort, a salute of seventeen guns was fired 
from the artillery mounted there, and i-eturued by the 
shipping in the harbor. The island was taken possession 



162 LIFE OF ADMEEAL FAERAGDT. 

of for the United States, and called Madison's Island, the 
fort, Fort Madison, the village, Madisonsville, and the 
bay, Massachusetts Bay. The follov.ing declaration of the 
act of taking possession was read and sig-ned, after which 
the prospei'ity of our newly-acquired island was drank by 
all present. The object of this ceremony had been pre- 
viously and Avas again explained to the natives. They 
were all much pleased at being MelleeJcees, as they called 
themselves, and wanted to know if their new chief was as 
great a man as Gattanewa. 

The peace with the natives enjoyed by the American 
cruisers was brief. The Typees, a powerful tribe, had 
made aggressions on the clans friendly to the people of 
the Essex, and even refused to contribute to it their share 
of supplies. To maintain his authority and influence 
with the chiefs who had given him theii- allegiance, the 
commander must bring the Typees to terms of honorable 
treatment of both parties insulted. Ambassadors were 
sent to them in vain ; the only salutation was a shower of 
stones. The forces of the Essex then advanced with 
their allies into the thicket, where lay the Typees in am- 
buscade. " Snap, snap," went the slings, and the stones 
came whistling by, and at the same moment spears came 
whirling from the invisible foe. To retreat would create 
the impression of cowardice, and the only alternative was 
to march on and scour the Avcods. For a whole mile the 
brave fellows pressed forward in a continual tempest of 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAERAGUT, ICS 

these missiles, unharmed, when Lieutenant Downes fell 
with a hroken leg. With an escort he was sent to the 
camp on the beach, and the warriors continued to ad- 
vance. Then followed thrilling scenes of conflict in the 
tangled wild wood and swamps ; the natives at last com- 
pelling the wounded and exhausted men of the Essex to 
retreat. 

" The Essex's crew composed the main body, the 
rest being divided into scouting parties, headed by their 
respective officers. I directed the party sent in ad- 
vance to halt as soon as tliey had gained the top of the 
mountain until I came up with the main body. There I 
intended encamping for the night, sliould our men not be 
able to stand tlie fatigue of a longer march. Several 
gave out before we reached the summit, which we did in 
about three hours, with great difficulty. But after rest- 
ing a short time, and finding ourselves refreshed, the 
moon shining out bright, and our guides informing ua 
(though very incorrectly) that we were not more than 
six miles from the enemy, we again marched. Several 
Indians had joined us, but I had imposed silence on them, 
as we were under the necessity of passing a Happah vil- 
lage, and was fearful of their discovering us, and giving 
intelligence to the Typees, Not a Avhisper was heard 
from one end of the line to the other ; our guides marched 
in front, and we followed in silence up and down the, 
steep sides of rocks and mountains, through riviileta>. 



164 LIFE OF ADillKAL FAEEAGUT. 

thickets, aud reed brakes, and by the sides of precipices 
which sometimes caused us to shudder." 

"VMiat a wildly romantic moonlight march ! After 
many perilous adventui^es, hard marches, and severe bat- 
tles, the men of the Essex so far subdued the Typees 
that peace was made with them, and nearly a thousand 
hogs were brought in and presented to the brave com- 
mander of the little fleet. It was a curious spectacle — 
those wild Indians with theii' simple flags, coming over 
the hills in all directions, and driving the peace-offerings 
before them. 

The pearl-oyster hooks and the fishing, the delicious 
fruits, and beauty of the natives in their simple, natural 
life, compared with those of otlier islands, degraded by 
the vices of the white man, and the foolish religious ob- 
servances of these heathens, all occupied the leism-e of the 
crew, and made impressions on the younger minds Avhich 
the lapse of years could not efface. For at that time but 
little Avas known of the distant isles, and the most of our 
information now is derived from the lips and pens of our 
intelligent, devoted missionaries, who have since visited 
almost every pagan land. 



CHAPTER XII. 

Departure from Madison's Island— Arrival at Valparaiso— Scones in the Harbor 
—Unexpected appearance of the Enemy's Ships— Correspondence— Disre- 
gard of Neutrality Laws — The Battle — Midshipman Fan-agut a Hero in the 
Fight— Is "Wounded— Captain Porter's Escape. 

jjCI^/^^ singular and uot unmusical voices of the sea- 
1:;^ men while lifting tlie anchor echoed from the 
bow of the Essex, on the beautiful 9tli of De- 
cember, 1812, giving notice of departure from 
the pleasant shores of sunny islands. And now 
oame the trial of restraint which was severely felt by the 
people of the Essex. Their freedom, which had been so 
great and protracted, was suddenly taken away, and there 
was a threatening discontent on the part of many. Soon 
the able commander quelled the rising insubordination 
by putting into a canoe and sending ashore White, the 
leader, and telling him never to let his face be seen again. 
Such is the unquestioned authority on board of a ship ; 
no monarchy is more absolute. A poor Otaheitan who 
belonged to the crew, ■vvas struck by a boatswain, an in- 



166 LIFE OF ADMIKAL FAKKAOUT. 

dignity which he could not bear, and, shedding a flood of 
tears, he jumped overboard, saying no one shoukl ever 
give him another blow. He was really mourned by all, 
for he was gentle and kind, and amused the " young gen- 
tlemen" especially with his imitations of the dancing 
customs and other peculiarities of his race. 

The voyage for a month was off the coast of Chili, 
with no incidents of importance till the frigate reached 
Valparaiso, early in Februar}^, on the lookout for the 
enemy. The people in port Avere lavish in their hospi- 
talities, as they were on the former visit of the Essex, 
and Captain Porter felt that he must recipi'ocate the atten- 
tions. On the 7th the guests from the city were on the 
Essex, and, as on the night before the battle of Waterloo, 

" And all went merry as a marriage bell." 

The awnings Avero up, and the flags, with various 
decorations, were fluttering in the midnight breeze. Sud- 
denly a signal from the Essex Junior arrested the atten- 
tion of the men of the Essex. Tavo hostile ships were in 
sight! There was "hurrying to and fro" on the decks 
of the frigate. " Boom ! " went the signal-gun to call the 
seamen who were ashore to their carronadcs. When 
the sun Avas up the Englishmen Avere approaching the 
Essex, Avhose decks AA'ere " cleared for action." The 
Phoebe, a frigate, Avas commanded by Captain Hillyar, 
and her consort was the Cherub. The British com- 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAKEAGUT. 167 

mander and the American had often met in friendly 
social relations in other ports, but now there was the 
appearance of hostile intentions, altliough in a neutral 
harbor. 

The Phccbc, with astonishment, saw that her antago- 
nist was ready for an attack. 

Captain Porter said : " Captain Hillyar, my ship is 
perfectly ready for actian, but I shall act only on the de- 
fensive." 

AiFecting a careless manner, he leaned over the 
quarter, and replied : " Oh, sir, I have no intention of 
getting on board of you." 

Captain Porter said : " If you do fall on board of me 
there will be much blood shed." 

Just then the jib-boom swept across the forecastle of 
the Essex, exposing the Phoebe to a raking fire, while not 
one of her gims could touch her enemy. This was too 
near for a peaceful design. 

The men of the Essex were summoned to board the 
British frigate. It Avas now a moment of the greatest 
consternation on the Phoebe. Her officers and crew saw 
the whole force of the Essex standing before them, armed, 
each with a cutlass and brace of pistols, while it was sup- 
posed the festive scene of the night had put the ship into 
complete disorder. 

Captain Hillyar, more vehemently than ever, raising 
his hands, exclaimed : " Oh, sir, I had not the slightest 



168 LIFK OF ADMIRAL FAERAGDT. 

intention of boarding you ; it is all an accident, sir, that 
my ship is taken aback." 

The truth is, lie Avas at the mercy of the Essex, which 
could have destroyed the Phoebe in fifteen minutes, and 
resorted to falsehood to save his fortvines. The honor- 
able officer of the American frigate believed the asser- 
tion, and permitted Captain Hillyar to disentangle him- 
self, and drift away, all the time exposed to the wasting 
fire of her magnanimous foe. 

When Captain Porter Avent on shore, the officers of 
the Government met him with the salutation : " Captain, 
why did you let the opportunity for destroying your ene- 
my pass? We expected to see short work made AA-ith 
him." 

Said the hero, " I have always respected the neu- 
trality of your port, and shall continue to do so." 

His record of the aifair is honorable to him, and sheds 
lustre on his name. 

" Although subsequent events have proved that Ca^i- 
tain Hillyar was incapable of a similar forbearance, I 
have never regretted, for a single moment, that I per- 
mitted him to escape, when, either by accident or design, 
he had placed himself entirely at my mercy. At no 
time during the engagement Avhich took place after- 
wards, or since, Avould I have changed situations or feel- 
ings with that officer. 

" Captain Hillyar and Captain Tucker, the day after 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAEEAGUT. 169 

tlieir arrival, paid me a visit at the liouse of Mr. Blanco, 
Avhere I generally stayed Avliile on shore. Their visit way 
soon returned, and a friendly intimacy established, not 
only between the commanders and myself, but the offi- 
cers and boats' crews of the respective ships. No one, to 
have judged from appearances, would have supposed us 
to have been at war, our conduct toward each other bore 
so much the appearance of a friendly alliance. At our 
first interview, I took occasion to tell Captain Hillyar it 
was very important that I should know of him whether 
he intended to respect the neutrality of the port. He I'e- 
plied, with much emphasis and earnestness : ' You have 
paid so much respect to the neutrality of the port, that I 
feel myself bound in honor to respect it.' I told him the 
assurance was sufficient, and that it would place me more 
at ease, since I should now no longer feel it necessary to 
be always prepared for action. 

" In the course of tliis conversation I adverted to a 
flag he had hoisted, containing the following motto : ' God 
and country ; British sailors' best rights ; traitors offijnd 
both ; ' and asked him the object of it. He said it was 
in reply to my motto of ' free trade and sailors' rights,' 
which gave great offijnce to the British navy ; whenever 
I hoisted that flag, he should not fail to hoist the other. 
I told him my flag was intended solely for the purpose of 
pleasing ourseh es, and not to insult the feelings of others ; 
that his, on the contrary, was considered as highly insult- 



170 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAKRAGUT. 

ing in tlie light of an offset against ours ; and that if he 
continued to hoist it, I should not fail to retort on him. 
The next day, this flag being hoisted, I displayed one 
bearing the motto of 'God, our Country, and Liberty — 
tyrants offend them.' Three cheers followed on the part 
of the crew of the Phoebe, which were returned from my 
ship. The thing was taken in good part by Captain 
Hillyar ; we talked freely and good-humoredly of the 
object of his coming to that sea ; the long hunt he had 
after me, and of my views in coming to Valparaiso. He 
asked me what I intended to do v.ith my prizes ; when I 
was going to sea ; and various other inquiries were put 
and answered. I told him whenever he sent away the 
Cherub I should go to sea ; that it would depend upon 
him altogether when I departed ; tliat, having thus met 
him, I should seek an opportunity of testing the force of 
the two ships. I added, that the Essex being smaller 
than the Phcebe, I did not feel that I should be justified 
to my country for losing my ship, if I gave him a chal- 
lenge ; but if he would challenge me, and send away the 
Cherub, I would have no hesitation in fighting him. 

" To these, and similar observations. Captain Ilillyar 
would reply, that the results of naval actions Avere very 
■uncertain : they depended on many contingencies, and 
the loss of a mast or a spar often turned the fate of the 
day. He observed, that notwithstanding the inferiority 
of my ship, Btill, if I could come to close quarters with 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARKAGUT. 171 

her carronades, I should no doubt do great execution. 
On the whole, therefore, he should trust to circumstances 
to bring us together, as he was not disposed to yield tho 
advantage of a superior force, which would effectually 
blockade me vmtil other ships arrived, and, at all events, 
prevent my doing any further injury to the commerce of 
Britain. As regarded my prizes, I informed him they 
were only encumbrances to me, and I should take them 
to sea and destroy them the first opportunity. He told 
me I dared not do it while he -was in sight. I replied, 
' We shall see,' 

" Finding Captain Ilillyar determined to yield none of 
the advantages of his superior force, and being informed 
there were other ships bound into the Pacific Ocean in 
pursuit of me, I secretly resolved to take every means of 
provoking him to a contest with his single ship. The 
Cherub being quite near to the Essex, the respective 
crews occasionally amused themselves with singing songs, 
selecting those most appropriate to their situation and 
feelings. Some of these were of their own composition. 
The songs from the Cherub w'ere better sung, but those 
of the Essex were more witty, and more to the point. 
The national tune of ' Yankee Doodle ' was the vehicle 
through which the crew of the Essex, in full chorus, con- 
ve}ed their nautical sarcasms ; while ' The Sweet Little 
Cherub that sits up Aloft,' was generally selected by their 
rivals. These things were not only tolerated, but en- 



172 LIFE OF ADMEKAL FAERAGUT. 

couraged, by the officers, through the whole of the first 
watch of the calm, delightful nights of Chili ; much to 
the amusement of the people of Valparaiso, and the fre- 
quent annoyance of the crew of the Cherub. At length 
Captain Hillyar requested me to put a stop to this prac- 
tice, and I informed him I certainly should not do so 
while the singing continued on board the Cherub." 

The escape of a prisoner, and his rescue from the sea 
into which he sprang from the Essex Junior, by the 
Phoebe, led to a spirited correspondence between the offi- 
cers of the opposing frigates. Two of the letters I must 
quote, because they will again make you think of English 
and Canadian plottings with rebels in the great rebellion, 
and affiard a further insight into the early culture of young 
Farragut in loyalty, magnanimity, and the right way to 
fight a desperate foe : 

" His Britannic Majesty's Ship Phcebe, } 
Valparaiso, 9t7i Feb., 1814. , 

" Sir, — ^By an Englishman picked up by one of his 
Majesty's sloop Cherub's boats, in a drowning state, 
Captain Tucker has been informed that nine of our 
countrymen are suffering the miseries of close confine- 
ment on board the American ship of war under your 
orders ; and that the calamity of imprisonment is aggra- 
vated by their being kept in irons. As this mode of 
treatment is so contrary to any I have ever witnessed 
during a very long servitude, as well as the usages of 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAllKAGUT. 1T3 

honorable warfare, may I beg (if the statement is just) 
that you will do me the favor to interest yourself in their 
behalf. I haTe the honor to be, &c., 

" (Signed) James Hillyar." 

"17. S. Frigate Essex, Valparaiso, 10^/t Feb., 1814. 

" Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of 
your letter of yesterday. The information you have re- 
ceived from the prisoner who made his escape from my 
armed prize, and who was assisted in effecting it by the 
boat and crew of his Majesty's ship Cherub, is correct as 
respects the situation of the remaining prisoners of war 
on board the Essex Junior, as well as those in the frigate 
I have the honor to command. 

" VHien at the Island of Nooaheevah, my prisoners, 
while on their parole of honor, made a most diabolical 
attempt to possess themselves of my prize by means of 
poison, with a view of making their escape. I detected 
and secured them ; and wlicn I no longer apprehended 
further danger, I liberated them. Since my arri\'al here, 
I have again found it necessary to secure them, and those 
on board my prize have been confined two days. 

" I have not, perhaps, had as long a servitude as Cap- 
tain Hillyar ; nor was it necessary I should, to learn 
honor and humanity. I deem it only necessary to say, 
that, of the many prisoners who have fallen into my 
hands since hostihties commenced between the United 



174 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAERAGUT. 

States and Great Britain, none have been confined but 
for my own security ; or otlierAV-ise punished but when 
they deserved it. I have the liouor to be, «xc., 

" (Signed) D. Porter." 

The conduct of Captain Hillyar roused the indigna- 
tion of Captain Porter, and he resolved to seek an en- 
gagement, and conquer or be conquered. 

Notes passed between the commanders, and the Amer- 
ican officer ordered the prize Hector towed out of the har- 
bor and burned, on purpose to provoke a battle. In his 
report to the Secretary of the Navy the name of the boy 
Farnsgiil, as v,e shall see, appears, intimating Avhat was 
indeed true, that he was a veteran in the light, fearing 
shot no more than he Avould snow balls, Avhile pistol and 
cutlass had no terrors for hira. 

Wrote his captain : " The Pliocbe, agreeably to my 
expectations, came to seek mo at Valparaiso, where I 
was anchored with the Essex, my armed prize the Essex 
Junior, under the command of Lieutenant Downes, on 
the lookout off the liarbor. But, contrary to the course 
I thought he would pursue, Commodore Hillyar brought 
Avith him the sloop-of-war Cherub, mounting twenty-eight 
guns, eighteen thirty-two pound carronadcs, eight twenty- 
fours, and two long nines on the quarter-deck and fore- 
castle, and a complement of a hundred and eighty men. 
The force of the Phoebe is as follows : Thirty long eighteen- 



LIPE OF ADMIRAL FAERAGUT. 175 

pounders, sixteen thirty-two pound carronades, one how- 
itzer, and six three-pounders in the tops — in all fifty-three 
guns, and a complement of thi'ee hundred and twenty 
men ; making a force of eighty-one guns and five hun- 
dred men. In addition to which, they took on board the 
creAv^ of an English letter of marque lying in port. Both 
ships had picked crew's, and were sent into the Pacific in 
company with the Raccoon of twenty-two guns, and a 
storeship of twenty guns, for the express purpose of seek- 
ing the Essex, and were prepared with flags bearing the 
motto, ' God and country ; British sailors' best rights ; 
traitors offend both.' This was intended as a reply to my 
motto, ' Free trade and sailors' rights,' under the erroneous 
impression that my crew were chiefly Englishmen, or to 
counteract its eflTect on their own crews. The force of the 
Essex was forty-six guns — forty thirty-two pound carron- 
ades and six long twelves ; and her crcv/, wliicli had been 
much reduced by prizes, amounted only to two hundred 
and fifty-five men. The Essex Junior, which was intended 
chiefly as a storeship, mounted twenty guns, ten eighteen- 
pound carronades, and ten short sixes, with only sixty 
men on board. In reply to their motto I wrote at my 
mizzen — ' God, our Countnj, and Liberty — (ijranis offend 
them.' " 

For six weeks the enemy lay off the port to blockade 
the Essex. Ineffectual eflbrls were made to close in de- 
cisive conflict. March 28th a gale parted the cable of the 



176 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAEKAGUT. 

Essex, and she drifted to sea, when a heavy squall carried 
away her main topmast. Tints crippled, the Phoebe and 
Cherub came upon her, but the boys Avorked the twelve- 
pounders with almost superhuman skill and courage, com- 
pelling the foe to retire after an houf of desperate en- 
counter, ia wliich several on both sides were lulled and 
wounded. Soon after the vessels sprang at each other, 
the Englishman leading, like tigers from their lair ; and 
flame, thunder, and smoke, were the signals of deadly 
strife, jmving the decks with the slain, and filling the 
cockpit vv'ith the wounded. At last, unable to bring a 
gun to bear, the British fii'e raked mercilessly the Essex, 
mowing down the men at every discharge, and several 
times setting her on fire. It was a time to try the cour- 
age of all on board left alive. The magazine was threat- 
ened by the flames ! Those Avho could swim were ordered 
to try for the shore, less than a mile distant. The remain- 
ing part of the crew flew at the fires,, extinguished them, 
and then comm-euced firing at the foe again. In the 
thickest of the fight "was Farragut, unconscious of the 
peril until drawn back by strong hands from his perilous 
position. 

Records the heroic commander : " I was informed 
that tlie cockpit, the steerage, the wardroom, and the 
berth-deck could contain no more wounded ; that the 
wounded were killed while the surgeons were dressing 
them, and that, unless something vras speedUy done to 



-h :\) 



^.■. I 



/r 






LIFE CF ADLURAL FAT.EAGUT. 177 

prevent it, the sliip would soon sink from the number of 
shot-holes in her bottom ; and, on sending for the carpen- 
ter, he informed me that all his crew had been killed or 
wounded, and that he had been once over the side to stop 
the leaks, when his slings had been shot away, and it v/as 
with diniculty he was saved from dro\\Tiing. The enemy, 
from tlie smoothness of the water and the impossibility 
of our reaching him with' our carronades, and the little 
apprehension that was excited by our fire, v/hich had nov/ 
become much slackened, was enabled to take aim at us as 
at a target ; liis shot never missed our hull, and my ship 
was cut up in a manner which was, perhaps, never before 
Avituessed ; in fine, I saw no hopes of saving her, and at 
twenty minutes after six r. M. gave the painful order to 
strike the colors. Seventy-five men, including officers, 
were all that remained of my whole crew, after the action, 
capable of doing duty, and many of them severely wound- 
ed, some of whom have since died. TJie enemy still con- 
tinued his fire, aud my brave though unfortunate compan- 
ions were still falling about me. I directed an opposite 
gun to be fired, to show them we intended no further re- 
sistance ; hut they did not desist ; four men ivere Jcilled at 
my side, and others in different jparts of the ship. I now 
believed he intended to show vis no quarter, and that it 
would be as well to die with my flag flying as struck, and 
was on tlie point of again hoisting it, when about ten 
minutes after holding the colors dow7i he ceased firing ! 
8* 



178 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARKAGUT. 

" I cannot speak in sufficiently liigli terms of the con« 
duct of those engaged for such an unparalleled length of 
time (under such circumstances) with me in the arduous 
and unequal contest. Let it suflice to say, that more 
bravery, skill, patriotism, and zeal, were never displayed 
on any occasion. Every one seemed detei-rained to die in 
defence of their much loved country's cause, and nothing 
hut views to humanity could ever ha^ e reconciled them to 
the surrender of the ship ; they remembered their wounded 
and helpless shipmates below. The conduct of that brave 
and heroic officer, acting lieutenant John G. Cowel, who 
lost his leg in the latter part of the action, excited the 
admiration of every man in the ship, and after being 
wounded Avould not consent to be taken below, until loss 
of blood rendered him insensible. Mr. Edward Bame- 
well, acting sailing-master, whoso activity and courage 
were equally conspicuous, returned on deck after his first 
wound, and remained after receiving his second until 
fainting with loss of blood. Mr. Samuel B. Johnson, 
who had joined me the day before, and acted as n^arinc 
officer, conducted himself witli great bravery, and eseiied 
himself in assisting at the long guns, the musketry after 
the llrst half hour being useless from our great distance. 

" Mr. M. W. Bostwick, wdiom I had appointed acting 
purser of the Essex Junior, and who was on board my 
ship, did the duties of aid in a maimer which reflects on 
him tJic highest honor, and midshipmen Isaacs, Farragut, 



LIFE OI- ADMIUAL FAKRAODT. 179 

and Ogden, as well as acting midshipmen James Tcriy, 
Janlcs R. Lyman, and Samuel Duzcnbnry, and mnster's 
mate V/illiam Pierce, exerted themselves in the perform- 
ance of their respective duties, and gave an earnest of 
their value to the service. The first three are too young to 
recommend for promotion ; the latter I beg leave to re^ 
commend for confirmation, as well as the acting lieuten- 
ants, and ^Messrs. Barnewall, Johnson, and Bostwick. 

" Wo have been unfortunate, but not disgraced ; the 
defence of the Essex has not been less honorable to her 
officers and crew than the capture of an equal force ; and 
I now consider my situation less unpleasant than that of 
Commodore Ilillyar, who, in violation of every principle 
of honor and generosity, and regardless of the rights of 
nations, attacked the Essex in her crippled state w^ithiri 
pistol shot of a neutral sliore — when, for six weeks, I had 
lUily oficred him fair and honorable combat, on terms 
gi-eatly to his advantage. The blood of the slain must 
be on his head, and he has yet to reconcile his conduct to 
heaven, to Lis conscience, and to tlie world. To possess 
the Essex it cost the British Government near six millions 
of dollars, and yet her capture was owing entirely to ac-« 
cident." 

Captain Porter compliments highly the ladies of Val- 
paraiso, who, while the authorities were negligent, were 
un^^•caried in their attention to his wounded heroes ; ciii- 
gels of mercy, conveying, in their own hands, the vrounded 



180 IJFE OH ADMIRAL FAEKAGUT. 

to tiae hospital provided, and then watching over them in 
their sufteriDgs. Many lives were saved by this timely 
and tender care. 

Not knowing whiit to do with his captives, Captain 
Ilillyar decided to make a cartel of the Essex Junior and 
send them home. Captain Porter with his crew sailed for 
New York, and, when off Sandy Hook, was hailed by the 
British ship-of-war Saturn, Captain Nash, who, in viola- 
tion of all right in the case, determined to retain the Essex 
Junior and her men, making them prisoners of wa:\ The 
injurcdj magnanimous hero of the Pacific voyage and bat- 
tle, shall tell the rest of the story of his homeward sail : 

" At seven the next morning, the wind being light 
from the southward, and the ships about thirty or forty 
miles oft' the eastern part of Long Island, within about 
musket shot of each other, I determined to attempt my 
escape. There appeared no disposition oa the part of the 
enemy to liberate the Essex Junior, and I felt myself jus- 
tified in this measure. A boat was accordingly lowered 
down, manned and armed, and I left with Lieutenant 
Downcs the following message for Captain Nash : ' That 
Captain Porter was now satisfied that most British officers 
v/cre not only dcstilute of honor, but regai'dless of the 
Jionor of each other ; that he was armed, and prepared to 
defend himself against his boats, if sent in pursuit of him ; 
and that he must be met, if rnet at all, as an enemy.' I 
now pulled off from llie ship, keeping the Essex Junior 



LIFE OF ADMIK^il, FARKAGDT. 181 

in a direct line between my boat and the Saturn, and got 
nearly gunsliot from her before they discovered me. At 
that instant a fresh breeze sprang up, and the Saturn 
made all sail after us. Fortimately, however, a thick fog 
came on, upon whicli I changed my course, and entirely 
eluded fiu-ther pursuit. During the fog I heard a firing, 
and on its clearing up saw the Saturn in chase of the Es- 
sex Junior, which vessel was soon brought to. After 
rowing and sailing about sixty miles, I at last succeeded, 
witli much difficulty and hazard, in reaching the town of 
Babylon, on Long Island, where, being stronglj suspected 
of being a British officer, I was closely interrogated ; and, 
my story appearing rather extraordinary, was not credit- 
ed. But on showing my commission all doubts were re- 
moved, and from that moment all united in affording me 
the most liberal hospitality. On my tirrival by land at 
New York, the reception given me by the inhabitants, as 
well as by those of every other place through which I 
passed, it becomes not me to record. It is sufficient to 
say, it has made an impression on my mind never to be 
effaced. 

" The Essex Junior, after being detained the whole 
of the day following my escape, and ransacked for money ; 
her crew mustered on deck, imder pretence of detecting 
deserters ; her officers insulted, and treated with shame- 
ful outrage ; was at length dismissed, and arrived next 
day at New York, where she was condemned and sold." 



182 LIFK OF ADMIiiAL FAERAGFT. 

No heart could be more tried and iudigiiant amid nil 
these scenes of outrage to his kind commander and to 
himself, still bearing his wound from British weapons, 
ll;an Midshipman Farragut's — one of the '-middies" at 
f.Iiat time in the United States navy. We find in an old 
Boston almanac his name entered " Glasgow Farragut " — 
no middle name, and a single R in the last. How he 
was afterwards welcomed to Boston, from whoso harbor 
he had sailed uoknown, wo f.hall learn. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



Midshipman Farragut returns to tho United States — A Good Story — Eaters tho 
Military School at Chester— Again Tit Sea— Tho Chaplain his Friend— At 
Tunis with tho Consul— Historic Scenes— Development of Ch.-raot«r— Afloat 
a<:ain—AtIforfolk—MaiTlase— Promotion. 



tLTITOUGH Farragut lauded in New York with- 
out his commander, and while he Avas drifting 
and moving about in a small craft, they reached 
the metropolis safely, and not far apart in time. 
Again the young Catalonian Avas restored to his 
pater }7gI officer, who, after receiving tho most enthusiastic 
demonstrations of admiration from his countrymen, was 
agaiu put in command. 

A good story has been current about our hero-boy, 
the exact truth of which canuot be verified ; but it is so 
like the young adventurer that it will bear reading. The 
President sailed from New York just before the Essex 
did, and was taken by the Endyraion the middle of Jan- 
uary, 1813. Still, such an incident may have occun*ed 



184 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAREAGUT. 

after his return, rcpcaliug the reckless, heroic daring of 
the fight at Valparaiso. 

" The BritiL-h man-of-war Plantagenet, seventy-foui 
guns, fell in with the cruiserJPresident, off Charleston, 
South Carolina. The President being much inferior to 
the Plantagenet, both in men and guns, her commander 
did not think it right to risk a battle with the English- 
man ; and so he crowded all sail to escape her by running 
into the harbor. This, of course, encouraged the Plan- 
tagenet to chase. The wind being fair, both ships were 
soon rapidly nearing the bar. The commander of the 
President knew that the Englishman drew too much water 
to get in, and felt confident that the ship could, if the tida 
served. Just as he had made up his mind to run boldly 
in, the vv'ind died away, leaving both ships nearly becalmed 
almost Avithin gunshot of each other. Then, while trying 
to coax enough Avind into his sails to carry his ship to the 
bar, the American determined to send Midshipman Far- 
ragut in a boat to sound the channel. The boat was called 
away, and left the ship with little Farragut, then about 
fifteen years old, seated grimly in the stern, with his hand 
on his sword and his eye on the bar. 

" Imagine the little fellow's consternation, when, look- 
ing back, he saw his ship making all sail toward the 
Plantagenet with a freshening breeze, while he could dis* 
tinctly hear the call to quarters. The wind had shifted 
and grown quite fresh, cutting tlie President oflf from all 



LIFE OF ADMUtziL FARRAGUl. 185 

chance of getting into Cliarlcston harbor, and her captain 
at once determined to attack the English.man boldly. And 
thus it happened that the little midshipman, Farragut, 
stood stamping his tiny feet in rage of disappointment, 
Y/hilc the President sailed away from him to fight the 
Planlagcnet. 

" ' I'll bo on board to fight tlie Plantagenct yet ! ' quotK 
Farragut. ' I will, 1 will ! Set the sails, men ! Be 
alive — ^be alive ! Don't stand with your mouths open ! ' 

" ' Please, sir,' said the cockswain, ' this boat is very 
crank, sir, and the breeze is fresh, sir. I know she'U go 
over if we do.' 

'' ' Set the sail ! ' cried Farragut ; ' I'll bo on board 
before that ship takes the Plantagenet, or drown you all ! ' 

" The sail avus set, and tlie little boat began to plough 
through the water. 

" Said Farragut : ' Wet the sail, men, and don't lose 
;in inch ! What fine fat hams and pet pigs those English- 
men have ! a good time Ave'll have to-morrow in our mess ! 
We'll take this fellow before night ! ' 

" Just then a squall struck the boat, and into the 
water wont Midshipman Farragut with his boat's crew. 

" ' Oh ! what will the captain say to me for upsetting 
the boat, and losing tiie oars and tackle ; and I've lost the 
fight too ! ' cried Farragut, as his head came up out of 
the Y.atcr. 

" lie began to sneeze the salt water out of his eyee 



186 LIFE OF ADillRAL FAKKAGUT. 

and no?c, as he looked round at the men's heads popping 
up, one by one, out of the waves. 

" ' It's bad enough to lose the tackle ; and now you'\c 
not only lost the fight for me, but you v/ant to drown your- 
selves too. I'll kill the first man that dares to drown ! ' 
and little Farragut sputtered and scolded away at the men 
to keep afloat, until tliey got Qn the bottom of his boat, 
where he bewailed his fate in missing the action. 

" The result, however, was difFercnt from vrhat every 
one expected. When the captain of the Plantagenet saw 
the President intended to fight him, he suddenly changed 
his course, and absolutely i-an away, much to the satis- 
faction of all, particularly Farragut, who was picked ofi" 
of the bottom of his boat in a short time, wet and discon- 
solate. The Englishman, it was afterwards discovered, 
had dceliued to fight because his men were in a state of 
mutiny ; and, upon his arrival at home, a court of inquiry 
justified Iiim." 

Upon the return of peace, in the autumn of 1814, 
Captain l*ortcr secured for Farragut, whose promise of a 
successful career had been watched and appreciated by 
him, a place in a school at Ciicster, Peun., in which were 
taught the elementary tactics of the military and naval 
science. lu this then quiet and ancient (own on the banks 
of the Delaware, fourteen miles from Philadelphia, the 
midshipman passed a profitable year, Avhen his love of 
the sea led him again to its familiar scenes. He was sent 



LII'E OF ABMIUAL FAKKAGOT. 187 

to the Mediterranean squadron, and his home was on 
board its flag-ship, Washington, seventy-four guns, under 
Commodore Isaac Chauncey, whose chaplain, Rev. Chas. 
Folsom, since professor in Cambridge University, became 
his instructor and friend. It M'as a crisis in his expe- 
rience and career. The boy -was passing in(o manly 
youth, and the cultivated taste and elevated sentiments 
of his teacher had a commanding influence over him, 
which he has ever since gratefully acknowledged. This 
was before naval schools were established, and candidates 
fur the naval service were taught on board the ships. A 
large number were committed to Mr. Folsom. For two 
years the relation of preceptor and student continued 
ripening into a mutual affection. And when, upon leav- 
ing his post, Mr. Folsom v/as appointed consul to Tunis, 
it was arranged that Farragut should have a furlough 
and accompany him. 

In regard to this arrangement Mr. Folsom says : " 1 
describe him as he now appeared to me by one word, 
' Ariel.' Our mutual joy was complete. The intent 
wa-, that I should be literally ' his guide, philosopher, 
and friend,' acting according to my own discretion, bur 
officially accountable for him as his superior officer (for I 
had not resigned my place in the navy). Whilo clothed 
with this complete authority, I do not remember that 
I ever issued an ' order,' or had occasion to make a 
suggestion that amoxmted to a reproof. All needed con- 



188 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAKEAGUT. 

V 

trol was tlifit of an elder over an affectionate younger 
brother." 

Life in Tunis was entirely new. Young Farragut 
went from his retired, rural home, to sea, on whose bosom 
he had lived, with the exception of holidays in port, and 
the brief period in school at Chester, excluded from the 
highest social influence, and familiar intercourse with edu- 
cated people. But in addition to his fraternal mentor, he 
was introduced to the best and most varied aspects of re- 
fined society, which can be found only where the consul- 
ales of the old European nations, and of the New World 
also, are established ; and from the character of the sur- 
roundings, bring frequently the representatives of foreign 
courts and their families together. Mr. Folsom's protege 
was at once welcomed to this focus of aristocratic asso- 
ciations and splendor^not to be spoiled, but to see the 
world as he had not before, and feel the intellectual stim- 
ulus of contact with so much talent and culture. 

The American consul assures us that his " young 
countryman was the delight of old and young. This had 
always been amcmg his chief moral dangers ; but here he 
learned to be proof against petting and flattery. Here, 
too, he settled his definition of true glory — glory, the idol 
of his profession — if not in the exact words of Cicero, at 
least in his OAvn clear thought. Our familiar walks and 
rides were so many lessons in ancient history ; and the 
lover of historical parallels will be gratified to know that 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAEJBAGUT. 189 

we possibly sometimes stood on the very spot v.'here tho 
boy Hannibal took the oath that consecrated him to tho 
defence of his country," 

The city and kingdom of Tunis oiFered much to at- 
tract and intensely interest the youthful Farragut. There 
was first of all the ancient historical glory of the slate. 
Ten miles to the north-west of the modern city of Tunis 
is tho site of ancient Carthage, the famous metropolis of 
antiquity, founded by Queen Dido, nearly a thousand 
j-ears before the advent of Christ. Here lived Hannibal, 
who, when he was nine years old, at his father's com- 
mand, swore on the altar of his deity eternal hatred to the 
Romans ; and when twenty-six, went forth at the head 
f)f an army, to redeem the vow. He had at one time 
forty elephants Avith his more than one hundred thousand 
troops. 

Carthage was called a republic, but quite unlike oui' 
own in extent, and in both civil or religious life. The 
ruins are now chiefly the remains of moles, and of a mag- 
nificent aqueduct built by the Romans after their conquest. 
Among these relics of past heroism and glory tlie young 
midshipman wandei-ed with his classic guide, musing over 
the departed greatness of the splendid commercial empo- 
rium — the queen of northern Africa. 

To stand where Hannibal issued words of command, 
vv'here the Roman generals rode proudly at the head of 
invading armies — to read over the story of Virgil there, 



190 LIFE OF ADillRAL FAKllAGUT. 

VtTiS a thiilling and memorable experience. It colored 
all subsequout thought, and moulded destiny. Nor was 
Tunis Avanting in objects (o engage attention, although 
the r;treets are irregular and fdthy. The palace of the 
bey is the principal edifice, wiiere is enthroned absolutii 
jiower. Tlie coiu-t-room is a display of it in obsequious 
and gaily attired officials, Avhilo the guilty tremble before 
the unalterable decisions of unquestioned authority. The 
bosses of the consuls resemble j^mojis, and stand apart 
fi'om the rest of the dwellings, which are of one !-:tor3', 
having Hat roofs, Avith their cisterns for catching rain- 
water. The bazaars along the street display fabrics and 
perfumes of every kind. 

It is not difficult to imagine the familiar talks of 
Farragut, then seventeen, and the consul, Avho made a 
companion of the high-minded, manly youth. Thus 
swiftly vanished a year, when the signals of a tropical 
pestilence were seen spreading terror oa every hand. 
No ofucial duty required the midshipman to stay amid 
its dangers, and with a icavful adieu he joined a Danish 
family and journeyed to Italy, v/here he again connected 
himself with the naval service on the' Mediterranean. 
Amid the routine of duties on shipboard in time of peace 
he pursued his studies, carrying out, practically, the noble 
impulse lie received in his career, under the care of Mr. 
Folsom. 

January 1st, 1821, he received tlie ajipointmeut of 



LUTE OF ADMIRAL FAREAGUT. 101 

lieutcnaut in the navy, and was ordered to join the squad- 
ron in the "West Indies. No stirring events marked his 
official service for the three years which followed. He 
was a gentleman, and in all his bearing displayed refine- 
ment of feeling, and a marvellous freedom from any taint 
of foreign intercourse with the licentious pagan and aris- 
tocratic European. He was next sent to Norfolk navy 
yard, remaining thei-e till 1832. This port of entry, in 
a county of the same name, is situated on tlie northeast 
side of the Elizabeth River, eight miles above its mouth, 
thirty-two miles from the ocean, one himdred and tAvelve 
from Richmond, and two hundred and twenty-nine from 
"W^ashiugton. Its streets are crooked, and the buildings 
not elegant. The country around is low, and in some 
places marshy. The hospitality of the citizens lias always 
been noted. The harbor is a beautiful basin, about a mile 
in width, and Avas defended by tiu-ec forts — Noi-folk, Nel- 
son, and that on Craney Island. A mile from the town, 
between the east and west branches of the river, v>^as a 
marine hospital, and on the opposite side, a little further 
up, is the village of Gosport, the site of the navy yard. 
Here Farragut passed another crisis in his history mem- 
orable in the experience of ripening manhood. He mar- 
ried Lfiss Loyall, the daughter of a prominent citizen of 
Norfolk. She soon became a hopeless invalid. The 
years of suffering which she knew was only another trial 
of character, which, like the cataract's break iu the cur- 



192 LIFE OF ADMIKAL FAEKAGUT. 

rent, revealing forms of beauty, and making a deeper, 
broader channel below, not only brought out the fine qual- 
ities of the man, but gave a wide range of thought and 
feeling, more strength and force, to his noble nature. He 
was afiectionate and fahhful until death came to the relief 
of the suflerer. He was a sincere mourner at tlic grave 
of the departed. 

July, 1832, Lieutenant Farragut was ordered to the 
Vandalia, cruising off the coast of lirazil. Upon hia 
I'eturn ho was again stationed at Norfolk. Here he mar- 
ried Miss Virginia Loyall, sister of the former Mrs. Far- 
ragut. Their only son, Loyall Farragut, is a cadet in 
the Military Academy at West Point ; and who will liot 
watch with peculiar interest the record of the represeut- 
ntive of a father so loyal, and so beloved by the nation? 

Again in 1837 we iind our admiral afloat, having been 
appoiulcd executive officer, or lieutenant commander, of 
the T/ar-sloop Natchez, of the "West India squadron. In 
November, 1840, his post of official duty was once more 
at Norfolk till February of the next year, when, in the 
seventy-four gunship Delaware, he sailed to the coast of 
Brazil. In September he was commissioned coivmander 
— the grade next above that of lieutenant — a merited 
progress in the regular line of promotion, whose highest 
place of honor was waiting for him. While off Brazil, 
he was detached from the Delaware and put in command 
of the sloop-of-war Decatur. 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAKRAGUT. 193 

These voyages of the peaceful cruisers had but little 
to interest besides the tropical scenery and fruits, and 
intercourse witli officers of the foreign nations. Bathing 
in the warm latitudes is often made the scene of excite- 
ment by the cry of " A shark ! A shark ! " which soon dies 
away in the hurrah following the escape, or in the sadness 
attending the tragical fate of tlie incautious seaman. 
Brazil is always interesting to the traveller. Its grand 
rivers and mountains, its magnificent foliage, its brilliant 
birds and flowers, cannot fail to beguile the hours of a 
visit to its shores. 

Conmiauder Farragut reached Norfolk February 24th, 
1843, wlicn he was dclaehed from the Decatur and granted 
leave of absence, a furlough intensely enjoyed in the 
quieter experience of a citizen ; for, from boyhood a 
sailor, he had been for almost the whole period a stran- 
ger to the business and enjoyments which belong (o life 
on sliore. At Tunis, he was at a consulate in a strange 
land ; at Norfolk navy yard, associated still with the ser- 
vice of the marine. 

April 17th, 1844, the receiving ship Pennsylvania, 
at Norfolk, became the domain of Farragut's command. 
The superintendence of its affairs, the coming and going 
of the seamen, required that good executive management 
which has always characterized our vice-admiral. The 
following year his service v/as again in the navy yard. 

His next position of honor and usefulness v.as the 
13 



194 LIFE OF ADJURAL FARRAGUT. 

command of the sloop-of-war Saratoga, of tlie home squad- 
ron, cri'isiug iu the West Indies, to -which lie was appoint- 
ed Mareh 9th, 1847. 

March 3d, 1848, he Avas detached from this service, 
and April 10th Avas again at Norfolk. On the 29th of 
that month he was detached to await orders ; another in- 
terlude of rest and leisure, but not of idleness or dissi- 
pation. Tiie culture of Farragut's mind was uninter- 
rupted during all the years of varied duty. 

March 15th, 1851, he was called to Washington as 
inspector of ordnance ; and a year later he was removed 
• to Norfolk in the same service. For three years he 
might have been seen walking the rounds of business, 
among the grim servants of war, unconsciously keep- 
ing them in readiness for rebel hands, ere long to be lifted 
against the life of the republic. 

Farragut was then ordered (August 9th, 1854) to 
California, in charge of the Man Island navy yard. It 
was opened for the Pacific coast, which the discovery of 
gold had made a new empire of commercial wealth and 
activity under the flag of the republic. This Avas six 
years after the precious metal v/as found in the sands of 
a mill-race, Avhile Lieutenant Sherman Avas there in the 
United States service, and a spectator of the great CA^cnt. 
In September of the succeeding year, the next step iu 
the march of legitimate and worthy advancement Avas 
taken, by Commander Farragut's promotion to a cap- 



/ 

LIFE OF A^DMIP.AL FARRAGI'T. 195 

taincy in the navy — the highest position of authority on 
a .single ship. Having retired from the navy yard on the 
Pacific coast May 29th, 1858, on New Year's day he was 
ordered to tlie Brooklyn, a noble sloop-of-war of the home 
squadron. In this position the political campaign of 
1800 found him. ITe watched the issue with intense 
solicitude ; for, though a Southerner by birth and mar- 
riage, he loved the old flag v.-ith a devotion second to 
that of no man in the land. Whatever the result, he 
■was resolved to stand by the Stars and Stripes. 

For nearly tifty years Captain Farragut had been, in 
the naval service or on furlough only. Nineteen years 
Iiad been spent on tlie sea. In the comparatively ua- 
exciling course of official duties he v.'as a diligent 
student and careful observer. While abroad, he had 
learned the Tui-kisli and Arabic, and was also familiar 
with many other tongues. It was a remarkable instance 
oi" long and thorough preparation ibr a crov>^ning work 
in tlie country's cause, that would place his name 
among the first, if not the very first, on the roll of naval 
commanders and heroes. He did not, could not know 
the design of Providence ; content to make the most of 
his ollicial position for the national honor, and of his 
time in varied experience and mental culture. Upright, 
genial, modest, and devout, he, like our Grant, was God's 
man for the coming hour of terrible conflict and natiouaJ 
peril. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

The Civil Vt'ar opens— Norfolk— Captain rarragut— Exciting gccucs- Patriotic 
"Words— Leaves Norfolk— Escnpo North— His New Home— Offers liimsolf 
to the Country— Naval Expeditions— The Blockade. 

T four o'clock on Friday, April 12tli, the sound 
of cannon in Charleston harbor awoke thousands 
> ,_, of sleepers, who hastened toward the strange and 
exciting scene, and looked upon the srnokc and 
lame which signialled the fate of the fair lands 
of the " Sunny South," aliliough lier exulting despots 
knew it not. 

At that moment the State Convention of Virginia was 
deliberating upon the question of secession in Riclimond. 
To secure Union delegates from his district, Captain Far- 
ragut, whose residence was in Norfolk, had counselled 
and labored, spending tlie whole night in tlie political 
meetings which appointed them. lie hoped and expected 
that Virginia would maintain licr fealty to the Govern- 
ment. But on the 17th (he ordhiancc of secession was 



LIFE or ADMIRAL FAREAGUT. 197 

passed by si vote of 88 in favor, and 55 agaiust it. 
oumter had fallen, and ilie " Old Dominion" also. Cap- 
tain Farragut was sad, but, "with liis noble and equally 
loyal v/ife, he felt no hesitation in regard to his course. 
He warned the people against the horrors of ('i\ il revo- 
lution, which his varied experience in foreign countries 
had shown him wa% blighting to all that is valuable to 
the State. Tliey laughed at him, calling him an ".old 
croaker." 

April 19th, 18G1, the Northern troops were fired upon 
by tlie mob of Baltimore, baptizing Avith blood, on that 
anniversary day of the first Revolutionary slaughter, the 
civil conflict. Captain Farragut saw about him the 
scowling emissaries of treason, plotting the further seizure 
of the public pi'operty. Tlicy invited and urged him to 
join them in the foul and malignant conspiracy, and with 
tliem strike for Southern rights. He listened to their 
dark designs, enforced by appeals to his ambition, domes- 
tic ties, and earliest, warmest associations. 

" You are by bii'th and natural sympathies with us ; 
and any position in the Confederacy you may desire will 
be yours." 

Such was the pleading, heard with quickening pulse. 
They had discerned the lion of battle slumbering beneath 
the gentle exterior, and sought his power for their unholy 
cause. His loyal heart beat indignantly ; and though 
pure in morals and religious in spii'it, he could find utter- 



19S LIFE OF ADMIEAL FAEEAGUT, 

ance in no common forms of speech. Pointing to the 
national colors, with flashing eye, and face all aglow with 
the patriotic protest against their wickedness, with no 
thought of profanity, he exclaimed : 

" Gentlemen, I tell you I would see every man of you 
damned, before I would raise my arm against that flag!" 

" Then, sir, you will not be permitted to stay here," 
was the bitter reply. 

" I will seek some place where I can live, and on two 
hours' notice ; " Avas the unhesitating response of the loyal 
captain. 

He repaired to his residence, and informed his family 
that immediate preparations must be made to bid farewell 
to Norfolk. The afternoon and evening was a time of 
gloom, and yet of activity which had the air of cheerful- 
ness, because loyalty v/as its inspu'ation. The next morn- 
ing, April 18, 18G1, Captain Farragut passed out of the 
city, v.'ith his face toward the north ; carrying with him 
a few valuables from the arena of ti-easonable plots, and 
the consciousness of a pure and lofty purpose. 

Crossing the Potomac, he stopped at the house of a 
friend. Scarcely had the salutations been exchanged, 

before he said: "Mr. , I am here without money, 

or place where I can lay my liead." 

When he reached Baltimore the mob ruled tlie city, 
and he barely succeeded in getting passage by steamer 
and canal boat to Columbia, Pennsylvania ; thence on the 



Lii'i: Oj- A'oyimAL fakragut. 199 

railroad to New York. Meamvliile, Saturday night, 
April 21st, tlicre v>'as quite a diflerent scene from his 
unknown arrival in the peaceful naetropolis, near his 
former post of duty and his place of abode. To save the 
navy yard there from the hands of the rebels, it became 
necessary to destroy it. As the Sabbath began to dawn, 
the mines and combustibles were ready. The Pawnee 
and Cumberland floated away from the doomed spot, and 
sent up the signal rocket to fire the tinder-covered and 
costly structures. Immediately followed the gi-and and 
awful conflagration, till the navy yard Avas a plain of 
smouldering ruins. 

The news of the terrific change which had already 
come over Norfolk since he left its old and ftimiliar 
streets, found him busy with plans to secure a peaceful 
refuge for his family. The green valleys of the glorious 
Hudson attracted his steps ; and the lovely village of 
Hastings, twenty miles from the city, was selected for his 
northern home. 

He now returned to Washington, to offer his services 
lo the nation assailed by the propagandists of slavery. 

The navy of the United States was scattered abroad, 
through the traitorous management of the Buchanan Sec- 
retary, who anticipated the collision between tlie North 
and South, and in this department of the Government 
Aveakened it as much as possible. There was no vacant 
position in the service for the patriotic captain. But un- 



200 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARKAGUT. 

willing lo lose the opportunity of securing him for the 
national cause, the Government gave him a seat in the 
Naval Retiring Board. This honorable but not pleasant 
duty was to sift out unworthy officers, and promote the 
loyal and worthy. Meanwhile the civil war had deep- 
ened in aAvful importance, and widened in extent. 

In July bloody Manassas thrilled, depressed, then 
thoroughly aroused the country to the magnitude of the 
struggle. The beautiful village of Hampton, near For- 
tress Monroe, was burned by the rebels — the first torch 
of the kind lighting up the field of conflict — its flames 
rising over an unarmed, unoffending people. 

The latter part of August, the first secret naval expe- 
dition, including the Minnesota, Wabash, Pawnee, Mon- 
ticello, and Harriet Lane, war-steamers, sailed with 
ti-ansports from Hampton Roads for Hatteras Inlet, to 
take the rebel forts erected there, and hold the key of 
AlbcriBarle Sound. Commodore Stringhara commanded 
"the sea forces, and General Butler those of the land. The 
splendid success of the expedition Ave all know. After a 
protracted and terrible bombardment, the white flag was 
raised on the walls of Fort Hatteras. 

The next grand move in tlic naval field of action was 
under Dupont in October, 18G1, whose fleet consisted of 
eighteen men-of-war and thirty-eiglit transports ; the lat- 
ter carrying troops for the land attack. Port Royal was 
the destination of the armada. The guarding forts were 



LITE OF ADMmAL FAKEAGUT. 201 

Beauregard and Walker, which the rebels thought were 
imprcgna'ble, till the fleet rained its ponderous iron hail 
and exploding shells upon the garrisons. The terrified 
enemy made their escape. Among the heroes of this 
battle was William II. Steel, only fourteen years of age, 
who handed up powder for one of the guns, amid the fiery 
hail and flying fragments, as coolly as a veteran of three 
score years could have done. 

January, 1862, a third jiiaritiuie expedition was fitted 
out. Commodore Goldsborough commanding, and General 
Burnsido leading the land forces. The splendid fleet 
moved from Hampton Roads, Avhile a host of admiring- 
spectators watched the grand mai'ch of the seventy ships, 
Avith banners in the breeze, and bands of music beneath 
the starry ensigiis. 

Off Cape Ilatteras a terrific gale scattered the fleet. 
Amid the awful dash and roar of the billows. General 
Burnside was calm in Iiis trust ; " feeling," he eaid, " that 
God held them in the hollow of his hand." 

February 8th, saw the victorious charge on Park 
Point battery, followed by the capture of Roanoke Island 
and Newbern. A month later, the Monitor and the Mer- 
rimac met at Hampton Roads, and the " Yankee Cheese 
Box" sent the rebel monster limping to his guarded deu. 

Fort Pulaski was added, early in April, to the bom- 
barded and conquered strongholds of the rebellion. 

At the same moment a magnificent naval expedition 



202 LIFE OF ADMIExS.L FAEEAGFT, 

was ia progress, -whose success was to send the name of 
Farragut around the world, witli applause. 

'SVe will close this chapter with a stirring poem, which 
furnishes a vivid glimpse of the blockading work during 
the war, along our extended coast. 

THE BLOCKADE. 

Our ship is steaming o'er the wave, 

Off Carolina's sandy shore, 
The new moon, silent as the grave. 

In crescent form is hanging o'er. 

Along the rim of clouds that lower, 
Where heaven and ocean seem to meet, 

The lightning plays in wondrous power, 
Eluming far the watery sheet. 

Anon its flashes disappear. 

And darker grows the gathering cloud. 

While God's own fearful voice we hear — 
In thunder — rolling deep and loud. 

From Bald-Head * hke a blazing star, 
A light gleams seaward, far and near ; 

Beyond the reef and sandy bar 
Appears the river channel clear. 

The moon descends beneath the deep. 

And still our vessel rides the sea ; 
And still the lurid lightnings leap 

From cloud to cloud in majesty. 

* Light House. 



LIFE OF ADMIEiUi FARRAGUT. 20t 

At length, a flasU from distant gun 

Is followed by a rocket's glare, 
Which rises like tlie morning sun. 

And bursts, in globes of fire, in air. 

" A Blockadc-Runncr off the bar ! " 

The rocket signals to the fleet ; 
" Fort Caswell " answers from afar, 

With storm of iron hail and sleet. 

Our fleet steams up in triple line, 

To close upon the " Runner " brave. 
Now pressing on with bold design. 

To pass or sink beneath the wave. 

Thick darkness reigns on sea and shore. 

Save when the lightnmg 'lumes the air, 
Or " Caswell's " guns of largest bore 

An instant flash with lurid glare. 

As o'er the deep we swiftly fly. 

The ocean foam our only trail, 
A voice sings out from mainmast high, 

' ' A sail, ofl' starboard beam, stranr/e sail ! " 

Amid the clouds now moving free. 

The lightnings for an instant blaze, 
And as the gleam illumes the sea. 

Reveals the " Runner " to our gaze. 

The g-uns upon our upper deck 

Pour out their thunder on the air ! — 
We look to see a helpless wreck. 

And lo ! no siffn of sail is thet-e .' 



204: LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARRAGUT. 

In arms of black squall swiftly borne, 
The " Blockade-Runner " flies away ; 

" Oh, for an hour of smiling morn ! " 
" Oh, for a glance of shining day ! " 

The prize is fled, escaped to sea, 

And there remains but this to say — 

That " Blockade-chasing " seems to me 
Like hunting pins 'mong slacks of hay! 





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CHAPTER Xy. 

Tbo Preparation to attack Now Orie:ins— GoRoral r.iiUcT—Farragut— Progress 
of tho Enterprise— Forts Pbilin and Jackson— Fire Pvafts— Tho Signal Sliell 
—The Bombardment opens. 

Ilir Island, a sca-girdlcd sand-bar about eight 
iniJcs in length and less than a mile in width, 
lying on the coast near New Orleans, was made 
„ ^ the rendezvous of the forces \vhich were to move 
^ against New O.-lenns. The forts guarding it 
vrcrc of course the first object, for when the defences of 
a city arc gone, it generally falls without further struggle 
into the hands of the victors. And you know our Gov- 
ernment had declared its purpose to recapture "the for- 
tresses of the United States, and unfurl once more the 
Stars and Stripes over them. 

On this desolate spot the rebels had erected fortifica- 
tions. The first thing to be done Avas to get the island. 
So the Government sent the good steamer Massachusetts 
with a company of marines to clear the eandbank of 
traitors, and kindle anew the light-house lamp, whose flame 



20G LIFE OF AmiIRAL FARRAGUT. 

had been tlie mariuer's tiiiiclc Lefore treason pnt it out, in 
the attempt to cxtinguisli llic hope of the workl by the 
overthrow of the republic. 

General Phelps, commanding the Ninth Connecticut 
and Twenty-sixth JVEassachusetts, landed on the island 
early in the Avinter. Tlic number of troops was soon in- 
creased to several thousands. With the advent of spring, 
Major-General Butler reached Ship Island, to the joy 
of the " boys," weary of the inactivity on their desert-like 
Juan Fernandez. 

During the few succeeding weeks, occasionally a shot 
was exchanged between the passing rebel steamers and 
ours protecting the hai-bor, and expeditions were sent over 
to the main laud, routing the enemy there. 

Commodore D. D. Porter's mortar ileet of twenty ves- 
sels and eight steamers towing the amnmuition schooners, 
ari-ived from Key West. Commodore Porter is a son 
worthy of his sii'e, of Farragut's old friend and captain. 

April 15th the fleet hoisted sad. again, and soon after 
joined the blockading squadron and other war-steamers 
from the east, riding in the Mississippi. The entire ar- 
mada was under the command of Commodore Farragut, 
whose flag-ship Avas the Hartford. Pilot Town, four miles 
from the Gulf, Avas taken, and the mortar flotilla anchored 
near it. 

The formidable defences of the southern metropolis 
were Forts Jackson and St. Phillip, sixty miles beloAV it, 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAURAGUT. 207 

two magnificent fortresses, wliose scientific and elaborate 
constiiiction defied attack ; and the garrisons within them, 
witli tJie Confederacy around them, laughed the united 
fleets to scorn. They were reared by our own Govern- 
ment to guard from foreign invasion the common pur- 
chase of Revolutionary blood. They stand at a sharp 
bend of the " Father of Waters," and before them the 
current is rapid. 

Fort Jackson, on the wec>t bank, was a pentagonal 
fortress, presenting two of its massive brick walls to the 
river, and three facing the land. On the former are six- 
teen casemated guns, and on the other sides twenty-four 
pound howitzers, covering with their fire the ditches. A 
drawbridge, ten feet in width, connects it with the main- 
land approach. Three-quarters of a mile distant is Fort 
St. Phillip, on the opposite shore, and above Jackson. 
The tremendous armament numbered one hundred and 
eighty pieces of different calibre. In addition to these, 
an iron cable was stretched across the river, resting on 
seven old hulks anchored in the current, and guarded by a 
well-manned gunboat. Still higher up the stream were 
eighteen iron-clads, steam rams, and floating batteries. 
Fire-rafts were also ready to be ignited and sent among 
an invading fleet. It is not strange that the fifteen hun- 
dred men who garrisoned the forts felt secure, and 
awaited scornfully the Yankee naval force. 

Hear the reply of the gallant Farragut, when officers 



^08 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAKRAGUT. 

of English and French war-ships expressed the belief, 
which a Union man in New Orleans had previously 
un-ittcn in his correspondence with the North, " No fleet 
can pass up the river without a miraculous interposition :" 
" You may be right. But I was sent here to make the 
attempt. I came here to reduce or pass the forts, and 
to take New Orleans, and I shall try it." 

The preparation to move tov%-ard the city vrent on in the 
fleet. Sails wei-e taken down, loose rigging made fast to 
the masts, decks cleared, and armor of heavy chain cables 
stretched along the sides of the wooden ship?. 

He called a council of war, and listened patiently 
to the views of his officers, ivhieh were not harmonious 
upon the daring enterprise. The decision of the com- 
manding mind is a clear scintillation of its hitherto uner- 
ring light, embodied in a general order : " The flag-oflicer 
Iiaving heard all the opinions expressed by the different 
commanders, is of the opinion, that wliatever is to he done, 
zvill have to be done quiclcly. "WTien, in the opinion of the 
flag-officer, the propitious time has arrived, the signal will 
be made to weigh and advance to the conflict. lie v/ill 
make a 'signal for close action, and abide the result — 
con(j[uer or he conquered." 

Of these men-of-war, thus stripped for combat, says a 
beholder : " They have au air of strength and massiveness, 
which is simply terrible." 

To deceive the enemy, the vessels were daubed with 



LITE OF ADSUEAL FAKEAGUT. 209 

the mud of the river banks, rendering them almost undis- 
tinguishablo in the distance from the river, colored with 
the same material, or from the shores. Commodore 
Porter, son of Farragut's old friend, contributed largely, 
by his forethought and skill, to the perfection of the ar- 
rangements. Thus the two " middies," many years before, 
were not only working together, but were woi'thy of their 
sire and commander. It was now the middle of April, 
1862. 

wSix gunboats, with their masts euwrcathed with foli- 
age, to resemble the forest between them and the forts, 
which concealed the hulls, drift along in close procession. 
Nearing the enemy, the crews added the disguise of 
marsh reeds and other vegetation, fastened to the vessels' 
sides. The Hartford, Pensacola, Richmond, Brooklyn, 
and Mississippi, followed the mortars. 

On the 15th, a sudden alarm was signalled through 
the fleet. Look up the swift current, and see that fiercely 
burning bonfire sweeping right down upon it. A raft 
Avith its cords of pine in a blaze, is running with the glow 
of wrath upon the Union armada. Providentially, before 
reaching its goal it grounded and burned to the water's 
edge. Commodore Porter made prompt provision for a 
similar assault. Oue hundred and fifty boats were fur- 
nished with picked crews, axes, grapnel ropes, and buck- 
ets, to intercept the flaming heralds of treason. 

The night came down Avith neither moon nor stars 
14 



210 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARRAGUT. 

visible. All was still and curtained with gloom, through 
which ship-lights glimmered, and anxious eyes were peer- 
ing for signs of danger. The grim wai'-ships lay quietly, 
only as their hearts of iron throbbed with fiery impatience 
for the coming conflict. A gleam of fire ! Then the sig- 
nal rockets streanxed through the night. A little nearer, 
and the fire-raft was discovered again rushing down the 
tide. The hundred and fifty boats wei'e soon moving like 
spectres through tlie darkness. A few gunboats also left 
their moorings. Over all was shed the lurid light of the 
floating fire, reddening the shores with its fearful torch 
of civil strife. The gunboats passed the hissing raft, the 
smaller boats darted around it to secure it and drag it 
away from the fleet. Such a scene is i*arely beheld even in 
time of war. Words of command, blows of the axes, the 
hammer driving home the fastening, echoed in the weird 
light of the strange wild scene. Then away the fire-pile 
moved, and in a finv moments expires. Silence was re- 
stored, and natu]-e reposed under the wings of darkness. 

The IGth brought the defiant challenge from Fort Jack- 
son, in the form of a slicll falling among the Union fleet. 
The mortar-boats replied with a terrific bombardment — 
each of their three-divisions firing two hours in succession, 
then pausing to cool. Thus passed the fii'st day's conflict, 
Bending its ominous echoes away to the doomed city. A 
week passed, and yet no substantial progress had been 
made in reducing the forts. The admiral formed the 



LITE OF ADMIRAL FAKRAGUT. 211 

bold design of moving by the gigantic guardians of the 
Mississippi, through chains, floating batteries, and rams. 

At midnight of 21st, Lieutenant Commander Crosby, 
of the Pinola, Lieutenant Commander Caldwell, of the 
Itasca, stole up the stream to the chain, right under the 
guns which could have soon destroyed them if they were 
discovered, and broke it. Just at this crisis Avas displayed 
the comprehensive and executive genius of the admiral. 
"Wlien the chain was cut, and the boats supporting it 
sagged asunder — prevented from swinging by the anchors 
to which each rode — there was left in the centre a gap 
or passage-way like the opening of a drawbridge. Tliere- 
upon the rebels built, lit, and maintained large fires on 
either side of the river, so that when Farragut should 
attempt to pass by night, their blaze v^'ould not oialy render 
his movements visible to every battery, but enable the 
forts to bring a complete cross-fire to bear upon him. 
Some of the admu-al's officers suggested that nothing would 
be easier than to send a few boat-crews ashore and extin- 
guish the fires. " Xo ! no ! by no means," said the com- 
mander, " those fires are the light-houses by which I me^tD 
to steam through the gap in the chain, throw a few shells 
or shot at (liem, to give the rebels an idea that we want 
them to put them out, and thus incite them to more stren- 
uous exertions to keep them bright and alive." The re- 
sult pro\ ed the wisdom of the admiral's instant decision 
of mind. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

The Adyance— The Terrible Conflict— The Firo-i-aft and Earns— Victory- 
Thanksgiving— Anecdotes of the Admiral— The Effect of the Victory on 
the Nation— Up the Eivcr— rassing Port Hudson— The Second Gauntlet 
of Tiro. 

S the signal arose at two o'clock on the morning 
of the 24th, which was two red lights, too com- 
mon to attract the attention of the enemy, Com- 
modore Farragut's fleet started on its voyage of 
victory or ruin. The advance was made in two 
colmniis. In the van were the three magnificent ships, 
the Hartford, the Brooklyn, and the Richmond, followed 
by the gunboats Sciota, Iroquois, Kennebec, Pinola, Itas- 
ca, and Winona ; the second column by the Pensacola 
and the Mississippi. They all made for the chasm in the 
bai'ricr of hulks and chains, keeping up an incessant fire 
upon the forts, and, as one after another they passed 
through, the vessels of the first division ranged themselves 
to assail Fort St. Philip, and tlie second Fort Jackson, 
while all alike were prepared to attack and repel the 



LHi-E OF ADMIRAL FAEEAGUT, 213 

rebel rams and gunboats, as occasion might require. " It 
may be safely said that such a naval conflict was never 
wincssed on this earth before. The enemy were on the 
alert, and the beacon-fires soon blazed so brightly as to 
expose every movement of the fleet ; and the whole 
stormy scene was illumined with a lurid glare, which 
added vastly to its sublimity, and its almost iicndlike 
horror. Tlic Cayuga was the first v/hich passed the 
eliain-boom, under a teri'iblc fire from both of the forts, 
which struck her repeatedly from stem to stern. The 
rest of the sqnadron rapidly followed. They wei'e now 
directly abreast of the forts, exposed to the direct action 
of their guns, v/hile tlie river above was crowded with 
the fire-rafts, rams, and gunboats of the foe. 

" They all came plunging dovra together upon the 
heroic fleet. First came an immense fire-raft, pushed by 
the ram Manassas, directly upon the flag-ship Hartford. 
In endeavoring to avoid it, the ship was crowded ashore, 
and the flaming raft was pushed down upon its side. In 
a moment the majestic ship seemed enveloped in flames, 
halfway up to her tops. Fortunately the ship was backed 
ofl' from the shoal, and by immense exertions of the fire 
department the flames Avere extinguished. The thunder 
of over three hundred guns from the forts, the rebel gun- 
boats, and the national fleet, joined with the distant boom- 
ing of the mortars, filled the air with a continuous roar, 
louder than heaven's heaviest thunders. 



214 LIFE or ADMIRAL FAERAOUT. 

" Red-hot shot and bursting shell were falling with 
frightful execution on sliip and battlement. The whole 
scene was soon so enveloped in the sulphurous smoke of 
the battle, that friends could with difficulty be distin- 
guisliod from foes, and often the ilash of opposing guns 
alone guided the fire. The rebels fought with that 
desperation which was to be expected of Americans, even 
when engaged in an infamous cause. While the national 
ships vrere yet under the fire of the forts, they were as- 
sailed by the monster rams and floating batteries which 
the foe held in reserve. These enormous rams, aided by 
the swift current, and under full headway of steam, dashed 
with their iron prows upon our ships, discharging at close 
range their heavy guns as reckless as if no harm could 
touch them. It is impossible to recount the exploits of 
the gallant men Avho fought beneath the stars and stripes, 
in these hours of deadly encounter. 

" Every sliip in the licet signalized itself by heroism 
which could not be surpassed. We cannot record the 
deeds of all ; let us allude to a few as specimens of the 
rest. The United States steamship Brooklyn, in the dark- 
ness, and -while exposed to the hottest fire, became en- 
tangled in the barricading hulks and chains. In attempt- 
ing to extricate the ship her bow grazed the shore. She, 
however, Avorked her way through, when the ram Ma- 
nassas came rusliing upon her from the gloom. At the 
distance of ten feet the ram discharged her shot, which 



LIFE OF ADinRAL FARRAGUT. 215 

pierced the ship, and then, with a crash, struck her side, 
battering in the starboard gangway. The chain armor 
saved the ship from destruction, and the ram slid olF and 
disappeared in the darkness. 

" Fort Jackson, in the liftings of the smoke, cauglit a 
glimpse of the majestic ship, and opened upon her a 
raking fire. Just tlien a large rebel steamer came rush- 
ing up on the port broadside. "When at the distance of 
but sixty yards, the Brooklyn poured into the audacious 
stranger one single volley of shell and red-hot shot, and 
the fragments of the steamer, in a mass of crackling tlame, 
drifted down the stream. 

" The Brooklyn, still groping its way along, lighted by 
the flames of an approaching fire-raft, and }'et enveloped 
in its resinous smoke, soon found itself abreast of St. 
Philip, almost touching the shore. The ship chanced to 
be in such a position that she could bring almost every 
gun to bear. Tarrying for a moment, she poured into 
the fort such a storm of grape and canister as completely 
to silence the work. The men stationed in the tops of 
the frigate said that, by the light of their bursting shrap- 
nels, they could see the garrison ' running like sheep for 
more comfortable quarters.' 

" Tlie Brooklyn then rushed into the nest of I'ebel gun- 
boats, fighting them indiscriminately, with her broadsides 
striking the most terrific blows, and continuing the con- 
test, in connection with the other vessels, for an hour and 



216 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAEKAaUT. 

a half, until the rebel fleet was annihilated. After the 
action was over, Commodore Farragut took the hand of 
Capt. Ci'aven, of the Brooklyn, in both of his, and said : 
' You and your noble ship have been the salvation of 
my squadron. You were iu a complete blaze of fire ; 
so much so that I supposed your ship was burning up. 
I never saw such rapid and precise firing. It never was 
surpassed, and probably never was equalled.' 

" The Mississippi encountered the ram Manassas, 
rushing upon her at fuU speed. The noble old frigate, un- 
daunted, instead of evading the blow, turned to meet her 
antagonist, and, with all steam on, made a plunge at the 
monster. Just as the blow was to come which would 
decide whose head was to be broken open, the Manassas, 
taking counsel of discretion, dodged. But as she glided 
by, a point-blank broadside from the immense armament 
of the Mississippi, swept off her smoke-stack, crashed 
through her iron sides, and set her on fire. The crev/ 
took to the shore, and the redoubtable ram drifted, a 
total wreck, dov/n the stream. The nondescript monster 
presented a curious spectacle, as she floated along, the 
flames bursting through the broken chinks of her mail, 
her shot-fractures, and her port-holes. Commodore Por- 
ter wishing to save her as a curiosity, sent some boats to 
pass a hawser around the ram and secure it to the shore. 
Scarcely was this done when the monster uttered, as it 
were, an expiring groan, as tlie water rushed in, driving 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAKEAGUT. 217 

the air and the belching flames througli her bow-port, and 
then, ' like a huge animal, she gave a plunge and dis- 
appeared under the water.' The achievements of the 
Varuna, under Captain Boggs, were among the crowning 
glories of this eventful day. It has been well said, he 
' fouglit a battle fully equal in desperate hardihood and 
resolute bravery to the famous sea-fight of John Paul 
Jones, which nothing human could surpass.' After 
taking or destroying six of the enemy's vessels, an un- 
ai-mored point was pierced, and while the water rushed 
in, the crew jumped into the boats of the Oneida, 
sent for their rescue, as she went down with her dead, 
' victorious in death,' her flag still flying, covered v,'i{h 
glory." 

The next morning dawned on drifting wrecks and 
smoke, through and beyond which the Union fleet was 
marching for New Orleans. A despatch was sent to 
General Butler that the way was clear for landing his 
troops. Soon after, at noon, the armada, having had 
only three gunboats disabled, thirty men killed, and . 
ouc hundred and ten wounded, moored in front of 
the city. 

The pride of the boastfu^ chivalry, already humbled 
on the 2Gth, avus fallen, and in the dust, uudcr the na- 
tional colors floating from the public buildings. 

After the victory Avas complete, he issued an order for 
the observance of " thanksgiving to Almighty God" for 



218 LITE OF ADMIRAL FARKAGUT. 

the success. He did not blush to acknowledge his de- 
pendence upon Him before whom even " the nations aro 
as grasshoppers" — an illustrious example of a warrior 
commending the Gospel of Peace. 

He can be stern and severe when duty requires it. 
As he was standing on the quarter-deck of the flag-ship 
of New Orleans, a gunboat started out from the dock, 
and not making allowance for the current, ran directly 
into the bows of the flag-ship, doiug considerable injury. 
"Who commands that vessel?" asked the indignant 
Admiral. On being informed, he said, " Send that child 
home. Send that child home." In a few moments 
another officer was sent on board to take command. 

Among the anecdotes that disclose his kindness, and 
patient attention to the wants of those under his com> 
mand, is a pleasant incident that occurred about this 
time. At one time, as he was going on board one of the 
vessels at New Orleans, all the firemen met him at the 
gangway, and asked if a wind-sail might be put down 
into the fire-room to give them more air. " Certainly," 
said the admiral, " you should have had one before." 
He theu ordered the captain of the ship to give them the 
largest wind-sail that could be made — and it was done. 

Then followed the landiug of the troops of General 
Butler near Fort St. Philip ; the sui'render of the fortress ; 
the terrific explosion of the rebel battery, the Louisiana ; 
and the triiunphant administration of the civil hero of 



LIFE or ADMIRAL FAEEAGUT. 219 

New Orleans — the commander of the land forces in the 
conquest. 

In every view the victory was a grand success for the 
Union cause. Six forts, eighteen gunboats, and twelve 
hundred prisoners were taken. The proudest rebel city 
was captured, and all rebeldom groaned over the loss, 
Avhile affecting indifference as to the ultimate result upon 
the contest. The tidings, " New Orleans is taken ! " 
flew over the laud on lightniug-wing, causing the wildest 
enthusiasm. 

Congress passed a vote of thanks to the hero of the 
great victory, and the President added his o\\ti warm 
congratulations. With New Orleans safely under the 
Stars and Stripes, Flag-Officer Farragut pushed up the 
" Father of Waters." On the 27th he reached and passed 
the batteries above the city without injury. 

The object of the expedition was to comuuinicate with 
Flag-Officer Davis, commanding the Micsissippi squadron, 
look after the rebel ram Arkansas, and comiilete arrange- 
ments for a joint attack on Vicksburg. A bombardment 
proved fruitless, because the high banks, bristling with 
ordnance, could not be battered down, nor the fortress 
taken by shot from the decks of the fleet, without the co- 
operation of land forces. Eighteen days later, Farragut 
returned, successfully repa?sed the batteries, and made 
Pensacola the place of rendezvous for the squadron. 
Meanwhile Congress had made a law creating the rank 



220 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAJREAGUT. 

of rear-adiniral, and conferred on him, July lltli, its 
earliest honors, for his brilliant conduct at New Or- 
leans. 

Texas now became tlie field mainly of the admiral's 
operations. An expedition was ordered in the autumn 
against Corpus Christi, followed by others against Sabine 
Pass and Galveston, all of which were successful in cap- 
turing the important points. Several months were occu- 
pied in similar operations. The guerrillas and rebel 
towns on the coast, and blockade-runners for Mobile 
and Galveston, all recei\ed his unwearied attention. 
With the advent of the spring of 1863, a larger theatre 
for the lion of naval warfare opened. 

General Shei-man's expedition against Vicksburg in 
the winter had failed, because the cowardly surrender of 
Holly Springs deranged the magnificent plans of General 
Grant in connection with him, and another attempt was 
to be made. 

General Grant had determined to get in the rear of 
Vicksburg, and wanted Admiral Farragut to sail above 
Port Hudson, while Admiral Foote went l)elow Vicks- 
burg, uniting in the reduction of batteries there, to clear 
the way for Grant, whose troops were to advance down 
the Avest side of the river ; and otherwise to aid the bold 
enterprise as he might have opportunity. Admiral Far- 
ragut at once led with his flag-ship, the Hartford, followed 
by the Richmond, the Mississippi, the Monongahela, with 



LIFE OF ADMIEAL FAKKAGUT, 221 

the gimboats Kineo, Albatross, and Genesee, and six mor- 
tar-boats ; the latter were to assist in the bombardment, 
but remain beloAv the batteries. 

The fleet moved tov/ard Port Hudson near the middle 
of March. On the 14th just after noon, the mortars 
opened Ihcir fire on the fortifications, second to none in 
strength but those at Vicksburg, on the Mississijipi. A 
detachment of troops was also sent in the rear, to confuse 
the garrisons, while tlie admiral got ready for his nighl- 
worlc. Then occurred one of those gi-and and unusual 
exhibitions of naval warfare, of which the passage of 
Forts Jackson and St. Philip was unrivalled in terrible 
sublimity. The evening was dark, but Confcdei-ate scouts 
had watched the Union fleet, and given notice of prepara- 
tion for some movement to the garrison. 

Immediately a tremendous bonfire was kindled on the 
heights, and poured its flood of lurid light down the cannon- 
bordered blufl"s upon the waters just vrhere the ships would 
pass the most formidable v.-orks. In the reflected flames, 
each vessel and its motions would be distinctly visible as 
in the light of day. It vras a crisis to try the metal not 
only of ordnance, but of the Admiral's character. He had 
never quailed in the moment of peril, and now was calmer 
than ever. Right ouv/ard toward the flashing surface 
o-^er Avhich frowned the heaviest rebel cannon, his squad- 
ron advanced. 

A description of what followed, akeady written, I laid 



222 LIFE OF ADMERAL FAERAGUT. 

aside, my young reader, to give you instead extracts from 
a letter penned on board the Richmond, a most graphic, 
vivid picture of the naval action. You find the good name 
Essex again : 

" We had left tlie mortar-boats well astern, when a. 
sulphurous light was seen gleaming on the shore, on our 
port side. Flashing up for a moment, a dull explosion 
followed. It was evidently an imperfect rocket. Another 
was essayed ; but, instead of ascending, it ran along the 
surface of the river close to the bank. A little further up 
a third was tried, and with complete success. It ascended 
high in the air, where it burst in the usual manner. In- 
stantaneously it Avas answered by a field-piece from the 
opposite shore, aimed at the Hartford. The Admiral was 
not slow in returning the compliment. Throe or four 
gims fired from the flag-ship in rapid succession testified 
to the alacrity Avith Avhich the wager of battle was ac- 
cepted. 

" The return of the rebel fire by the Hartford, Avas 
promptly foUoAved up by a hot fire from the artillery 
pieces of the rebels, and quite a brisk action ensued be- 
tAveen them. The scene, as vieAved from the Richmond, 
was both brilliant and spirited. The flashes of the guns, 
both on shore and afloat, Averc incessant, Avhile the roar 
of cannon kept up a deafening and almost incessant sound. 
Great judgment was here necessary to prevent the Rich- 
mond from running into the Hartford, ijind, in fact, to 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAERAGUT. 223 

keep the war-vessels generally from rnnning into each 
other. 

" And now was heard a thundering roar, equal in 
volume to a whole park of artillery. This was followed 
by a rushing sound, accompanied by a howling noise that 
beggars description. Again and again was the sound re- 
peated, till the vast expanse of heaven rang with the awful 
minstrelsy. It was apparent that the mortar-boats had 
opened fire. Of this I was soon convinced on casting my 
eyes aloft. Never shall I forget the sight that then met 
my astonished vision. Shooting upward at an angle of 
forty-five degrees, with the rapidity of lightning, small 
globes of golden flame were seen sailing through the pure 
ether — not a steady, unfading flame, but corruscating like 
the fitful gleam of a fire-fly — now visible and anon invisi- 
ble. Like a flying star of the sixth magnitude, the terri- 
ble missile — a tliirteen-inch shell — nears its zenith, up and 
still up — higher and higher. Its flight now becomes much 
slower, till on reaching its utmost altitude, its centrifugal 
force becomes counteracted by the earth's attraction, it 
describes a parabolic curve, and dov/n, down it comes, 
bursting, it may be, ere it reaches terra Jirma, but proba- 
bly alighting in the rebel works ere it explodes, where it 
scatters death and destruction around. But while the 
mortar-boats were at work, the Essex was not idle. Un- 
manageable as she is, especially in so strong a current, 
she did not follow the rest of the fleet, but remained at 



224 LITE OF ADBHEAL FAKEAGUT. 

tho head of the ' bummers,' doing admirable service with 
her heavy guns. 

" All this time the Kichmond had to hang back, as 
Admiral Farragiit seemed to be so enamored with the 
sport in which he was engaged as to be in no hurry to 
pass by. Once or twice, in consequence of the dense 
column of smoke that now rolled over the river, our bow- 
sprit was almost over the tafFrail of the Hartford, and 
there was an incessant call on the part of Second Lieuten- 
ant Terry, who commanded the forward part of the ship, 
to stop the engines. And here I may as well say that 
this gallant young oificer behaved in the most chivalrous 
manner throughout the entire engagement, cheering on the 
men, and encouraging them, by his example, to stand to 
their guns like men, though little of this they required to 
induce them to perform their whole duty. 

" The Eichmond had by this time got within range 
of the rebel field-batteries, which opened fire on her. I 
had all along thought that we would open fii-e from our 
bow-guns, on the top-gallant forecastle, and that, after 
discharging a few broadsides from the starboard side, the 
action would be wound up by a parting compliment from 
our stern-chasers. To my surprise, however, we opened 
at once from our broadside guns. The eitect was start- 
ling, as the sound was unexpected ; but beyond this I really 
experienced no inconvenience from (lie concussion. There 
was nothing unpleasant to the ear, and the jar to tlie ship 



LIFE OF ADiynEAL FARRAGUT. 225 

was really quite inappreciable. It may interest the un- 
initiated to be informed how a broadside is fired from- a 
vcssel-of-war. I was told on board the Richmond that all 
the guns Avere sometimes fired off simultaneously, though 
it is not a very usual course, as it strains the ship. Last 
night the broadsides were fired by commencing at the for- 
ward gun, and firing all the rest off in rapid succession, 
as fast almost as the ticking of a watch. The effect was 
grand and terrific ; and, if the guns were rightly pointed — 
a difiicult thing in the dark, by the way — they could not 
fail in carrying death and destruction among the enemy. 

" Of course we did not have every thing our own way, 
for the enemy poured in his shot and shell as thick as hail. 
Over, ahead, astern, all around us flew the death-dealing 
missiles, the hissing, screaming, whistling, shrieking, and 
howling of which rivalled Pandemonium. It must not be 
supposed, however, that because our broadside-guns were 
the tools we principally worked, that our bow and stern- 
chasers were idle. We soon opened with our bow eighty- 
pounder Dahlgreu, which was followed up not long after 
by the guns astern, giving evidence to the fact that we had 
passed some of the batteries. 

" While seated on the ' fish-davit,' on the top-gaUant 
forecastle — the Hartford and the Richmond blazing away 
at the time — a most fearful wail arose from the river, first 
on our port-bow then on the beam. A man was evidently 
overboard, probably from the Hartford or the Genesee, 
15 



226 LIFE OF ADMIRAL F^UIRAGUT. 

then just ahead. The cry was : ' Help, oh ! help ! ' ' Help, 
oh ! help ! ' ' Man overboard,' called out Lieutenant Terry ; 
' throw him a rope.' But, poor fellow, who could assist 
him in such a strait ? We were in action ; every man was 
at his gun ; to lov/er a boat would be folly ; in fact, it could 
not be done Avith any hope of success. Consequently, 
although the man was e\'idcntly a good swimmer, to 
judge by his unfailing cries for help for a long time, 
nothing could be done to rescue him, and he floated astern 
of us, still sending up that wailing cry for help, but with- 
out effect. The terrible current of the Mississippi was 
too much for him, and he, without doubt, sank beneath 
the waves of the mighty river. 

" Just after this fearful incident firing was heard astern 
of us, and it was soon ascertained that the Monougahela, 
Avith her consort, the Kineo, and the Mississippi were in 
action. The Monongahcla carries a couple of two hun- 
dred-pounder rifled Parrott guns, besides other ticklers. 
At first I credited the roar of her amiable two hundred- 
pounders to the ' bummers,' till I was undeceived, when 
I recalled my experience in front of Yorktown last spring, 
and the opening of fire from similar guns from Wormley's 
Creek. All I can say is, the noise was splendid. The 
action now became general. The roar of cannon was 
incessant, and the flashes from the guns, together with 
with the flight of the shells from the mortar-boats, made 
up a combination of sound and sight impossible to describe. 



LITE OF AUMIKAL FARRAGUT. 227 

To add to the horrors of tlic night, while it contributed 
toward the enhancement of a certain terrible beauty, dense 
clouds of smoke began to envelop the river, shutting out 
from \'icwthe several vessels, and confounding them with 
the batteries. It was \ery difficult to know how to steer 
to prevent running ashox"e, perhaps right under a rebel 
battery, or into a consort. Upward and upward rolled 
the smoke, shutting out of view the beautiful stars and 
obscuring the vision on every side. Then it was that the 
order was passed : ' Boys, don't fire till you see the flash 
from the enemy's guns.' That was our only guide through 
the ' palpable obscurity.' 

"But this sole dependence on the flashes was likely 
to be attended with serious consequence, as the following 
incident will show : 

" "We had got nearly into the middle of the hornet's 
nest, Avhen an officer on the top-gallant forecastle called 
out : ' Ready with the port-gun.' The gun was got ready 
and pointed, and was about to be discharged, when Lieu- 
tenant Perry called out : ' Hold on ; you are about to fire 
into the Hartford.' And such was the fact ; for the flasli 
of the Hartford's guns at that moment revealed the spars 
and rigging of that vessel. Consequently the gun was 
not fired, nor was it discharged during the engagement, 
the fighting being confined entirely to the starboard side. 

" Still the fight went on, and still the roar of cannon 
and the screaminir, howlinc, whistling of shot and shell 



228 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARKAGUT. 

• 

continued to make ' night hideous.' Still, too, the pure 
atmosphere Avas befouled with the smell of ' villanous salt- 
petre' and obscured with smoke, through the opaque mass 
of wliich the stars refused to twinkle. Intermingled Avith 
the boom of the cannonade arose the cries of the wounded 
and the shouts of their friends, suggesting that they should 
be taken below for treatment. So thick was the smoke 
that we had to cease firing several times ; and to add to 
the horrors of the night it was next to impossible to tell 
whether we Avere running into tlic Hartford or going 
ashore, and, if the latter, on wliich bank, or whether 
some of the other vessels were about to run into us or 
into each otlier. All this time the lire was kept up on 
both sides incessantly. It seems, however, that we suc- 
ceeded in silencing tlie lower batteries of field-pieces. 
Tlie men must have been driven from their guns ; and no 
wonder if they were, in that terrific storm of iron. 

" While a brisk lire was kept up from the decks of the 
several vessels, the howitzers in the tops were not per- 
mitted to remain idle. Intermingled with the more sul- 
len roar of the larger guns, the sharp, short crack of the 
brass pieces Avas heard from their elevated positions, add- 
ing harmony to the melody of the terrific concert. 

'• Tlie i)lirase is familiar to most persons Avho have 
read accounts of sea-fights that took place about fifty 
years ago ; but it is difficult for the uninitiated to realize 
all the horrors conveved in ' muzzle to muzzle.' For the 



LIFK OF ADMIKAL FAERAGL'T. 229 

first liinc I liatl, last night, an opportunity of knowing 
wliat the phrase really meant. Let the reader consult 
the map, and it will be seen that the central battery is 
situated about the middle of the segment of a circle I have 
already compared to a horse-shoe in shape, though it may 
be better imderstood by the term ' crescent.' This battery 
stands on a bluff so high that a vessel in passing immedi- 
ately underneath cannot elevate her guns sufficiently to 
reach those on the battery ; neither can the guns on the 
battery be sufficiently depressed to bear on the passing 
ship. In this position the rebel batteries on the two horns 
of the crescent can enfilade the passing vessel, pouring in 
a terrible cross-fire, which the vessel can return, though 
at a great disadvantage, from her bow and stern-chasers. 
" We fully realized this last night ; for, as we got 
within short-range, the enemy poured into us.^.a terrible 
fire of grape and canister, which we were not slow to re- 
turn — our guns being double-shotted, each with a stand 
of both grape and canister. Every vessel in its turn was 
exposed to tlie same fiery ordeal on ncaring the centre 
battery, and right promptly did their gallant tars return 
the complinwiit. This was the hottest part of the engage- 
ment. We were literally muzzle to muzzle, the distance 
between us and the enemy's guns being not more than 
twenty yards, though to me it seemed to be only as many 
feet. In fact, the battle of Port Hudson has been pro- 
nounced by ollicers and seamen Avho were engaged in it, 



230 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAllKAGUT. 

and who were present at the passage of Foit St. Pliiiip 
and Fort Jackson, below New Orleans, and had partici- 
pated in tlie fights of Fort Donelson, Fort Henry, Island' 
Number Ten, Vicksburg, etc., as tlie severest in the 
naval history of tlxe present war. 

" Shortly after this close engageraement we seemed 
to have passed the vrorst. The enemy's shot and shell 
no longer swept our decks like a hail-storm ; but the fire 
from the batteries was kept up in a desultory manner. 
The starboard bow-gnn could no longer be brought to 
bear. Consequently Lieutenant Terry ordered the men 
on the top-gallant forecastle to leave the guns in that part 
of the ship, and to descend to the main deck to help work 
the broadside guns. Our stern-chasers, of course, were 
still available, for tlie purpose of giving the enemy a 
parting blessing. I left my station on the top-gallant 
forecastle shortly after the men who had been working 
the bow-guns, and-passed imder where I had been sitting, 
taking up my station on the port side, just opposite the 
forward gun on the starboard side, where but a few min- 
utes before a shell had exploded. 

" I was not long in this position wlien there came a 
blinding flash through the very port I was opposite to, re- 
vealing a high bank riglit opposite, so close that a biscuit 
might have been tossed from the summit on board the 
Richmond. Simultaneously there came a loud roar, and 
I thought the shot had passed through the port I was op- 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAEEAGUT. 231 

posite to. Indeed, so close Avcre we to the battery tbat 
the flush, the report, and the arrival of the shot, crashing 
and tearing through our bulwarks, were instantaneous, 
there not being the intermission of a second between. 

"It must have been about this time that Lieutenant 
Commander Cummings,the executive officer of the Rich- 
mond, was standing ou the bridge that connects the star- 
board Avith the port gangway, Avith his speaking-trumpeti 
in his hand, cheering the men. Near him stood Captain 
Alden, when a conical shot of large calibre passed 
through the hammocks, over the starboard gangway, 
taking off the left leg of the lieutenant just abo^e the 
ankle, battering his speaking-trumpet (a prize) flat, and 
knocking Captain Aldcn down witji the windage, and 
went through the smoke-stack. !Mr. Cummings was im- 
mediately taken below, where his wound v/as promptly 
attended to by Dr. Henderson, the ship's surgeon, but not 
before the brave young man had lost a large quantity of 
blood on his way down. Ou being carried below he used 
the following patriotic words, which are worthy of becom- 
ing historical : ' I would willingly give my other leg so 
that we could but pass the batteries.' 

'• The Rev. Dr. Bacon, the loyal rector of Christ 
Church, New Orleans, Avho was acting as chaplain on 
board the Richmond, was on 4he bridge when Mr. Cum- 
mings received his terrible wound. He fortunately 
escaped unhurt, though he had been all over the ship, in 



232 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARRAGUT. 

the thickest of tlie fight, carrying messages and exhorting 
and encouraging the men. 

" It -was uo easy matter, in the midst of such a dense 
cloud of smoke, to know where to point our guns. Even 
the flashes of the enemy's guns shone dimly through the 
thick gloom. Several times the order was given to cease 
fire, so as to allow the smoke to clear away ; but, as 
there was scarcely a breath of wind stirring, this Avas a 
very slow process ; still the order was necessary, to pre- 
vent the several vessels from running into each other. In 
this respect the rebels liad a decided advantage over us ; 
for while they did not stand in danger of collision, neither 
Avas there any apprehension of firing into their friends. 
The wide river Avas before them, and if they did not hit our 
vessels at each discharge, they could but miss at the worst. 

" INIatters had gone on this Avay for nearly an hour 
and a half — the first gun having been fired at about half- 
past eleven o'clock — Avhen, to my astonishment, I heard 
some shells Avhistling over our port side. Did the rebels 
have batteries on the right bank of the river? Avas the 
query that naturally suggested itself to me. To this the 
response was gi\en that we had tm-ned back. I soon dis- 
covered that it Avas too true. Our return was, of course, 
more rapid than our passage up. The rebels did not mo- 
lest us much, and I do not bcljevc one of their shots took 
effect while we Avere running down rapidly Avith the 
current. 



LIFE OF ADiORAL FAKRAGUT. 233 

" We •wore soon quietly at anchor, and were busy dis- 
cussing the events of the fight, exchanging congratulations 
and comparing notes, when the lookout man in the main- 
top hailed the deck as follows : 

" ' On deck there ! ' 

" ' Hallo : ' 

" ' A large fire ahead ! ' 

" ' Where away? ' 

" ' Just above the bend.' 

" ' What is it like?' 

" ' Like a fire-i'aft.' 

" On this Captain Alden, to whom the circumstance 
was duly reported by the officers of the deck, sings out : 

" ' Keep a good lookout. r.I.?r; the bow guns, and 
stand by to slip the cable.' 

" Shortly after this a small steamer came down, the 
master of which informed Captain Alden that the Missis- 
sippi was on fire. 

" In the dense smoke that prevailed, excluding every 
object from view, the glorious old Mississippi went ashore 
right opposite the centre and worst battery. She was 
soon discovered by the enemy. Up to this time she had 
not sustained any serious injury. She now became a 
standing target for the whole range of rebel batteries. 
The rebels began to pour into her a perfect shower of shot 
and shell, which was promptly returned by the Missis- 
sippi. This murderous work continued for half an hour. 



234 LIFE OF ADMIEAL FAKEAGUT. 

Finding it impossible to escape, Capt. Smith judiciously 
but reluctantly gave orders to set the sliip on fire to pre- 
vent her falling int*^* the hands of the rebels. Accordingly 
her after-part was fired, the rebels all the time continuing 
to pour in their shot and shell as fast as they could bring 
their guns to bear. During this part of the contest no 
fevver than two hundred and fifty rounds were fired from 
the Mississippi. The artillery practice of the rebels 
would have been Avorthy of a better cause. The Missis- 
sippi vras riddled through and through. Four men were 
known to have been killed ere the ship was abandoned. 
Among them was Acting Master Kelly, the whole of 
whose abdomen was shot away. Three were ascertained 
to have been wounded.' There may have been some more 
casualties, but it is impossible to tell to what extent at 
present, though a great many exaggerated stories are 
afloat on the subject. Several were known to have 
jumped overboard soon after the ship was set on fire, 
and there can be no doubt that some of them were 
drov/ned. 

" Soon after the vessel had been fired two shells came 
crashing through her, exploding and setting fire to some 
turpentine and oil which they upset. This caused the 
flames to spread, wdiereupou a master's mate hurried on 
to the gundeck aud reported that the flames had reached 
the entrance to the magazine. The ship was then at once 
abandoned, and all hands on board, in(;liidino: the wound- 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAEEAGUT. 235 

ed men, were put on shore on the bank of the river oppo- 
site Fort Hudson. This was accompanied by a deafen- 
ing yell of exultation from the rebels on perceiving the 
blazing up of tlie lire. The Mississippi burned till she 
became lightened, to which the removal of nearly three 
hundred men contributed, when she swung off into deep 
water. She had grounded with her head up stream ; but 
on swinging off she turned completely round, presenting 
her head down the river, which position she retained till 
she blew up. 

" At length it was reported on board tlic Ivichniond 
that tlie Mississippi was coming dov/n, and we all turned 
out on the poop-deck to see the sight. It was a most 
magnificent spectacle. From the midships to the stern 
the noble vcs?el was enveloped in a sheet of flame, while 
fire-wreaths ran up the shrouds, played around the main- 
mast, twisted and writhed like fiery serpents. Onward 
she came, keeping near to the right bank, still bow fore- 
most, as regularly as if she was steered by a pilot. It 
was, indeed, a wonderful sight. Captain Smith, her re- 
cent commander, and several of her officers, who had by 
this time arrived on board the Richmond, assembled pn 
the poop-deck, their emotion almost too great for Avords. 
Next to his v/ife, children, or sweetheart, there is nothing 
that a sailor loves more than his ship — nothing that he 
regi-ets the loss of so much ; and, in the absence of the 
above-mentioned domestic, tics, his ship is to him wife, 



236 LIFE OF ALAnRAL FAKRAGUT, 

child, and sweetheart. The feehng of regi'et at the loss 
of his ship is cnlianced when, as in the case of the Mis- 
sissippi, tlie gallant craft has achieved historical renown. 
No wonder, then, that the officers of the Mississippi 
should feel a sinking at the heart on witnessing the de- 
struction of their floating home, while they wei'e power- 
less to save her. 

" As she arrived opposite the port side of the Rich- 
mond, some apprehension was entertained that her port 
broadsides might give us a parting salute of not a very- 
agreeable nature. Captain Smith assured Captain Alden, 
however, that her port guns liad all been discharged. 
Just as she had cleared us, her starboard guns began to 
go oiF. This was accompanied by the explosion of the 
shells she had on deck, ready for use. These exploded 
at short intervals. The flames now began to increase iu 
volume from amidships to the stern, and the howitzer on 
the maintop was discharged with the heat. Majestically 
the gallant craft — gallant even in its last moments — 
moved down the stream, till, turning the bend at the 
lower part of Prophet Island, she was hidden from our 
view, and nothing more was seen but a white glare, shoot- 
ing lip skyward. Shell after shell still exploded at inter- 
vals, and thus a couple of hours passed away till the 
Mississippi was some eight or ten miles below the Rich- 
mond. The shells now begin to explode more rapidly, 
indicating that the fire has reached the shell-room, and 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARRAGUT, 23Y 

cannot be far from the powder magazine. This proves 
to be the fact ; for presently a sudden glare of bright 
flame shoots upward toward the zenith, spreading sky- 
ward, in the form of an inverted cone ; an interval of a 
few seconds elapses ; then comes a stunning roar, caus- 
ing the Richmond to tremble from truck to keelson, and 
the gallant Mississippi, that so long ' has braved the bat- 
tle and the breeze,' is no more ; all that remains of her is 
sunk in the bosom of the mighty river from which she 
derived her name. 

" Passing through the starboard side of the Rich- 
mond, amidships, a conical eighty-pounder passed through 
a pile of cordage on the berth-deck, narrowly missing 
some powder-boys who were handing up ammunition. 
Thence it entered the machinery-room, passing through 
and smashing the steam-drum, and damaging both safety- 
valves, so as to prevent them from closing. Taking its 
course under the steam-chest, the shot came out on the 
otlier side, when it broke in two, and both pieces dropped 
below. Here I may take this opportunity of mentioning 
that Confederate iron, in these regions, is a very inferior 
metal. It is not half smelted, but right in the centre are 
large stones. 

" Early this morning the decks of the Richmond pre- 
sented a melancholy spectacle. Where the two men fell 
there was a great pool of clotted gore, which I saw a sea- 
man tossing overboard with a shovel. The whitewashed 



238 LIFE OF AmnRAL FAERAGUT. 

decks, too, were any thing but ticly ; but, liey ! presto ! 
as if by magic, the stalwart arms of some two or three 
hundred men, v.-ith the aid of a plentiful supply of Mis- 
sissippi water, have made every thing as clean and neat 
as a lady's boudoir. The bodies of the tAvo men who 
were killed have been removed forward, and to them has 
been added the body of the boatswain's mate, who lost 
both legs and an arm, and who has since died. The 
three bodies have been neatly sewed up in their hammocks, 
and they are to be put into coffins for interment on shox'e. 
Headboards, with their names inscribed on them, will be 
placed at the heads of tlieir graves, so that the bodies may 
be reclaimed at any tinie by their friends or relatives." 

Soon after occun-ed one of those daring adventures, 
many of which are unrecorded, related in a letter from 
New Orleans at that time. The Admiral wanted de- 
spatches, and the Yankee boys determined to get them 
beyond Port Hudson, as yoii will see : 

" Nev,- Orleans, April 18. 

" Much intei'est is felt in the fortunes of Admiral Fai'- 
ragut by every loyal man in the country, and his assured 
safety is a source of congratulation among good men 
everywhere. 

" On Tuesday morning, April 14th, Lieutenants H. 
B. Skinner and C. C. Dean of General Dudley's staff, 
and Lieutenant Tcnney, Quartermaster of tlic Thirtieth 



LIFE OF ADMLEAL FARKAGUT. 239 

Massacliusctts volunteers, went up from Baton Kouge to 
Port Hamilton in the Eichmond, they having volunteered 
to go across the point opposite Port Hudson, and carry 
despatches from below to the Admiral, who was to be at 
the mouth of False River on Wednesday morning. Cap- 
tain Roe and Lieutenant Herbert of the signal corps 
accompanied the expedition. During the sail up an ad- 
ditional mast was put above the main topmast of the 
Richmond, with a ' crow's nest' in the top, from which it 
was proposed to signal over the trees covering the point, 
with the Admiral, v/hich plan proved entirely successful. 
" On the morning of the 15th, Lieutenants Skinner, 
Dean, Tcnney, and Herbert, went up the levee a couple 
of miles to reconnoitre. They found that the erffemy were 
crossing cavalry over from Port Hudson. Returning to 
the Richmond, tlie welcome signal-guns were heard from 
the Hartford, whose masts were plainly visible from the 
' crow's nest.' They were quickly answered by Captain 
Aldcn, and in a lev/ minutes the expedition started. Be- 
sides the above-mentioned officers, Mr. Shaw, acting 
master of the Richmond, and Mr. Gabandau, private 
secretary to Admiral Farragut, who came down a week 
ago, and returned to the Richmond from New Orleans, 
put in here to accompany us over. Also Mr. Graves, 
purser's clerk of the Albatross, accompanied the expedi- 
tion. A negro was taken along as a guide. The party 
was well armed, and started about noon. 



240 LIFE OF ADMIEAL FAEEAGUT. 

" They struck the Avoods some two miles below the 
river, embarliecl in two skiffs, and for five miles pro- 
ceeded through the woods, overflowed with water to a 
depth ranging from three to thirty feet. It Avas a novel 
scene. Silently they paddled through the forest — the 
only noises heard Avere the voices of numberless birds 
and the low rustling of the leaves. Ai'riving near the 
False Eiver, the boats Avere hid in the bushes, and the 
party Avaded Avaist-deep through the water a niile further 
in, Avhere they struck the old State Levee, following 
Avhich for a short distance, they came out into the open 
road in full sight of the enemy's batteries, which were no 
longer to be feared, for right ahead was the welcome 
sight of the flag-ship. 

" The Albatross, Captain Hart, came quickly down 
and took us on board. While Avaitiug for her to reach 
us, the enemy fired a feAv shells at the party, Avhich Avent 
harmlessly over. In a few moments we Avere alongside 
the Admiral's ship, Avho gave us a most cordial Avelcome. 
The ofliciers vied with each other in making us comfort- 
able, and eagerly asked numberless questions about the 
neAvs below. 

" After a good night's rest, the party, decreased by 
the officers belonging above, early the next morning 
started to return, which Avas a much more dangerous 
matter than going, for the enemy having divined our in- 
tentions, had, during the night, sent a small force over, 



\ 

LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARKAGUT. 241 

evidently with the intention of ' gobbling' the party ; but 
we struck a different road from the one we came on, and 
reached our boats in safety, having encountered but one 
of the enemy's pickets, who was moimtcd, and quicldy 
fled on our firing at him. We got back to the Richmond 
at noon, having thus in twenty-four hours accomplished 
an object full of importance and danger, and one which 
Yankee pluck and perseverance alone could accomplish." 

The Hartford and Albatross did excellent service in 
blockading the mouth of Red River, from which supplies 
had been sent to Vicksburg, until Admiral Porter ran by 
that city in May, and relieved him fx'om this service. 
Admiral Farragut then returned to New Orleans, by way 
of the Atchafalaya, to direct the siege against Port Hud- 
son, till its surrender to General Banks, immediately after 
the fall of Vicksburg. 

The Admiral informs us why he went to New Orleans 
at the time he did, and of his ceaseless activity : 

" New Orleans, June 29, 1863. 
" While I was at Port Hudson I received a despatch 
stating that the rebels were in force on the west bank of 
the river threatening Plaquemine and Donaldsonville. I 
stai-ted immediately for the first-named place, but on my 
anival at Baton Rouge, found a despatch from Lieutenant- 
Commander Weaver, to the effect that the rebels, about 
16 



24:2 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAREAGUT. 

one hundred and fifty Texans, liad made a raid into 
Plaqiicraiue, some tlii'ce hours previous to his arrival, 
and had burnt two steamers that vi'ere lying there. 
Lieutenant-Commander Weaver sh.elled the place, driving 
the enemy out of the town, and followed them down the 
river to Donaldsonviile, which place he reached in ad- 
vance of them ; by dark I was also there, and found that 
the Kinco had also been sent up by Commander Moms. 
The enemy, finding us in such strong force of gunboats 
gave out that they v>'ould not attack Donaldsonviile, but 
would go by railroad to Brashear City. I therefore order- 
ed the Winona, Lieutenant-Commander Weaver, to cruise 
up and down the river, and he seeing the enemy on two 
occasions, shelled them. 

" As I had much to attend to in New Orleans, I 
dropped dovyn, placing the gunboats to the best advan- 
tage, above and below ; Lieutena,nt-Commander Walte-rs 
volunteered to assist the volunteer officer commanding the 
fort, in the drilling of his men at great guns. I paid 
them a visit and gave them my advice in case of an at- 
tack, which I looked for sooner or later. I left Com- 
mander AVoolsey in the Princess Royal, in command of 
Donaldsonviile, ordered the Winona to Plaquemiue, and 
stationed the Kineo at a place below where the railroad 
ran near the river, distance about twenty-three miles from 
New Orleans. On the 17th instant, the enemy reached 
the Lafoui'che, crossing and attacking our pickets, Avho 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAERAOUT. 24B 

repulsed them, causing them a heavy loss. Oa the 18th 
they had a Second fight and were again repulsed, 

*' On the 26th, the enemy, under Generals Green and 
Mouton, attacked and captured Brashear City. Our 
force there was very small. I had only a small steamer, 
mounting two twelve-pound howitzers, which I purchased 
as a tug, but I regi-et to say that her commander is not 
represented as having been any more vigilant than the 
rest, and backed down the bay. Mr. Ryder says, how- 
ever, that he could not fire into the enemy without firing 
into our own people, so he withdrew and retired to New 
Orleans, leaving Brashear City in possession of the 
enemy. 

" On the 27th Commander Woolsey informed me by 
telegraph, and Brigadier-General Emory personally, tliat 
General Green, of Texas, had notified the ■\\()nieu and 
children to leave Donaldsonville, as he intended to make 
an attack. I immediately ordered the Kineo up to the 
assistance of the Princess Royal, and Licutenant-Cam- 
mander Weaver, in the Winona, being on the alert, was 
also at Donaldsonville in time to take part in the re- 
pulsing of the enemy. I inclose herewith Commander 
Woolsey's report of the affair. 

"*At twenty minutes past one a. m. of the 28th, the 
enemy made the attack, and their storming party got into 
the fort ; but the gunboats opened a flanking fire above 
and below the fort, hurling destruction into the rebel 



24:4 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAKKAGUT. 

ranks and driving back the supporting party, so that they 
broke and fled, and the twenty who entered the fort were 
captured. At ten minutes to five A. M., the rebels 
(Tcxans) fell back in great rage, vowing vengeance. I 
had in the mean time ordered up the Monongabela, Com- 
mander Read, and General Emory first, and then General 
Banks sent forward reeenforcements. General Stone is 
now in command there, and the place is perfectly secure. 
" The prisoners arrived from Donaldsonville number 
one hundred and twenty-four — among which are one 
lieutenant-colonel, two majors, two captains, and five 
lieutenants. Our forces have buried sixty-nine rebel 
dead, and are still employed, calculating there are about 
miG hundred. Colonel Phillips is among the number of 
the rebel dead. All of which is respectfully submitted 
by your obedient servant, 

" D. G. Farragut, Rear-Admiral." 

The Mississippi was no sooner " cleared," and our 
Admiral out of work on its Avaters, than he looked else- 
where for a chance to deal deadly blows upon the ab- 
liorred rebellion. It was more than life to him to be in 
the thickest of the strife, flying at the masthead in smoke 
and iron hail the dear old Hag, under whicli, while yet 
a boy, he fought in a distant and foreign sea. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



The 81tn.itioii of Mobile— Preparations to attack it3 Fortifications— Their 
Strength— Generals Canby and Granger— The Advance — General Order— 
The Engagement— Anecdotes of the Admiral— His Eeport of the Splendid 
Affair— Thanks,'iviDg—A Song of Victory. 



HE city of Mobile is on llie west side of 
Mobile Ivivcr, at its cntrauce into the bay. 
The distance from New Orleans is one hundred 

possession 
Far- 



faud sixty miles. It came into the possessic 
of the United States in 1813, while young Fa 
ragut was in the Essex under Captain Porter, cruising 
in the Pacific, and contained then only three hundred in- 
habitants. It grew to be the second city in importance 
to the cotton trade of the South, ha\-ing a population of 
about thirty-five thousand. It M'as a haunt of the blockade- 
runners in the war, and must be taken. Admiral Farra- 
gut was the man to make the attempt to enter its waters, 
over which frowned the cannon of three powerful fox'ts, 
Morgaa, Powell, and Gaines. The enterprise had been 
projected betbi-e, but abandoned. The summer of 1864 



246 LIFE OF iVDMIEAL FAKKAGUT. 

found the hero of Now Orleans consulting with Generals 
Canby and Granger. This was early in July. A few 
days later the plan of attack was formed, and tlic follow- 
ing spirited ordcjr issued : 

" U. S. Flag-ship HAr.TFORD, off Mobile Bay, Julii 12, 1864. 

" Strip your vessels and prepare for the conflict. Send 
down all your superfluous spars and rigging, trice up or 
remove the whiskers, put up the splinter nets on the star- 
board side, and barricade the v.hcel and steersmen with 
eails and hammocks. Lay chains or sand-bags on the 
deck over tiie machinery to resist a plunging fire. Hang 
the sheet chains over the side, or make any other arrange- 
ment for security tliat your ingenuity may suggest. Land 
your starboard boats, or lower and tow them on the port 
side, and lov/cr the [lort boats down to the vrater's edge. 
Place a leadsman and the pilot in the port-quarter boat, 
or the one most convenient to the commander. 

" The vessels will run past the forts in couples, lashed 
side by side, as hereinafter designated. The flag-ship will 
lead and steer from Sand Island N. by E. by compass, 
until abreast of Fort Morgan ; then N. W. half N. until 
past the Middle Ground, then N. by Yf ., and the others, 
as designated in the drawing, Avill foUov,' in due order 
wntil ordered to anchor ; but the bow and quarter line 
must be preserved, to give the chase guns a fair range ; 
""I'd each vessel must be kept astern of the broadside of 



LTFE OF ADIvIIEAL FAKRAGUT. 247 

the next ahead ; each vessel will keep a very little on the 
starboard quarter of his next ahead, and, when abreast 
of the fort, will keep directly astern, and as we pass tho 
fort will lake the same distance on the port quarter of the 
next ahead, to enable the stern guns to fire clear of the 
next vQssel astern. 

" It will be the object of the Admiral to get as close to 
the fort as possible before opening fire ; the ships, how- 
ever, will open fire the moment the enemy opens upon us 
with their chase and other guns, as fast as they can be 
brouglit to bear. Use short fuses for the shell and shrap- 
nel, and as soon as within three or four hundred yards 
give them grape. It is understood that heretofore wo 
have fired too high ; but with grapeshot it is necessary to 
elevate a little abo\ e the object, as grape will dribble from 
the muzzle of the gun. 

"• If one or more of the vessels be disabled, their 
partners must carry them through, if possible ; but if 
they cannot, then the next astern must render the re- 
quired assistance. But as the Admiral contemplates mov- 
ing with the flood tide, it will only require suflicient power 
to keep the crippled vessels in the channel. 

" Vessels that can must place guns upon the poop and 
top-gallant forecastle, and in the top on the starboard side. 
Should the enemy fire grape, they will remove the men 
from the top-gallant forecastle and poop to the guns below 
until out of grape range. The howitzers must keep up a 



248 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAERAGUT. 

constant fire from the time they can reach with shrapnel 
until out of its range. 

" D. G. Farragut, 
" Rear- Admiral Commanding W. G. B. Squadron." 

A single fact sheds further light on his comprehensive 
ability for so daring an assault upon defences combining 
all the perils to the invading force that engineering skill 
could construct. He determined to go in with the strong 
flood tide, because, in case a vessel was hit and partially 
disabled, it would not stop and drift astern, but must float 
onwards into and with the fight. In his triumph at New 
Orleans, Port Hudson, and Vicksburg, almost the greatest 
difficulty which he had encountered was the rapidity and 
adverse force of the Mississippi current. If a vessel was 
liit it had to drift astern into the fire, or out of the circle 
of service. This he felt would never do, and the result 
shows hoAV correct was his judgment. AVith the flood 
every ship made its way into the bay ; and the Oneida, 
which was last, realized that its position on the rear was 
the most serious one, since the forts, silenced by the sus- 
tained fire of the whole line, reopened upon the sternmost 
vessel, when the weight and frequency of the leading ves- 
sels' broadsides had slackened. " Farragut, in assuming 
the lead, demonstrated the truth of a military aphorism, 
that audacity and presence of mind constitute armor and 
arms of proof." 



LLFE OF ADMIRAL FARHAGUT. 249 

There was a pleasant incideut on the eve of battle 
illustrative of the Admiral's character. The men of the 
Hartford tell a good story of him. They came aft in a 
body the night before the attack on Fort Morgan, and 
through their petty officers requested of the captain of the 
Hartford to see the Admiral. When he came out they 
asked him if they could have some grog before going into 
action the next day. " I have no particular objection to 
your having a little grog," he calmly replied, " if there is 
any on board ; but I have been to sea a good deal, and 
have seen some fighting, but / have never seen the time 
wlien I needed rum to help me do my duly. I will order 
for you two pots of hot coffee at tv/o o'clock to-morrow 
morning, and at eight o'clock I will pipe you to breakfast 
in Mobile Bay." 

Of the entire achievement the Admiral shall tell hia 
own story, and it is not often that the official reports of 
commanding otliccrs, necessarily giving the details of the 
conflicts, will interest the youthful reader ; but General 
Sherman's and Admiral Farragut's despatches are excep- 
tions in this respect. The forcible and often graphic 
statements reveal the cultivated genius which can wield 
the pen with skill and point equal to that displayed in 
handling the sword. For this reason I sliall add to the 
sketch of the "glorious victory" Farragut's peculiar and 
striking account of what he did and saw. Even boys 
will catch the ring of the battle itself, and say with an- 



250 LIFE OF ADUniAL KAEKAOUT. 

Other, " How well he writes after fighting so well ! " You 
will pause with moistened eye over his allusion to the 
wounded prisoners, and the lamented Craven : 

"U. S. Flag-ship Uartfoud, Mobile Bay, August 12, 1864. 

" Sra : — I had the honor to forward the Department 
on the evening of the 5th instant a report of my entrde 
into Mobile Bay on the morning of that day. and which, 
though brief, contained all the principal facts of the attack. 
Notwithstanding the loss of life, particularly on this ship, 
and tlic terrible disaster to the Tecumseh, the result of the 
fight was a glorious victory ; and I have reason to feel 
proud of the officers, seamen, and marines of tlie squad- 
ron imder my command, for it lias never fallen to the lot 
of an officer to be thus situated and thus sustained. 
Regular discipline will bring men to any amount of en- 
durance, but there is a natural fear of liidden dangers, 
particularly when so awfully destructive of human life as 
the torpedo, which requires more than discipline to over- 
come. 

" Preliminary to a report of the action of the 5lh, I 
desire to call the attention of the Department to the pre- 
vious steps taken in consultation with Generals Canby 
and Granger on the 8th of July. I had an interview with 
these officers on board the Hartford, on the subject of an 
attack upon Forts Morgan and Gaines, at which it was 
agreed that General Canby would send all the troops he 



LIFE OF ADiimAL FAKKAGUT. 2'0\ 

could spare to cooperate with the fleet. Cii'cnmstances 
soon obKgcd General Canby to inform me that he could 
not despatch a sufficient number to invest both forts, and 
in reply, I suggested that Gaines shoiild be the first in- 
vested, engaging to have a force in the sound ready to 
protect the landing of the army on Dauphin Island in the 
rear of that fort, and I assigned Lieutenant-Commander 
Dc Kraffi, of the Conemaugh, to that duty. 

" On the 1st instant General Granger visited me again 
on tlie llarlford. In the mean time the Tecumseh had 
arrived at Pensacola, and Captain Ci-aven informed me 
that he would be ready in four days for any service. Wo 
therefore fixed upon the 4th of August as the day for the 
landing of the troops, and my entrance into the bay, but 
owing to delays mentioned in Captain Jenkins' commu- 
nication to me, the Tecumseh was not ready. General 
Granger, however, to my mortification, was up to the 
time, and the troops actually lauded on Dauphin Island. 

'• As subsequent events proved, the delay turned to • 
our ad\ antage, as the rebels were busily engaged during 
the 4ih in throwing troops and supplies into Fort Gaines, 
all of which were captured a few days afterwards. The 
Tecumseh arrived on the evening of the 4th, and every 
thing being propitious, I proceeded to the attack on the 
following morning. As mentioned in my previous de- 
spatch, the vessels outside the bar which were designed to 
participate in the engagement, were all under way by 



252 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAERAGUT. 

forty minxttes past five in the morning, in the following 
order, two abreast and lashed together : 

" Brooklyn, Captain James Alden, with the Octorara, 
Lientenant-Commander C. II. Green, on the port side. 

" Hartford, Captain Percival Drayton, Avith the Meta- 
comet, Lieutenant-Commander J. E. Jouett. 

'' Eichmond, Captain T. A. Jenkins, with the Port 
Koyal, Lieujcnaut-Commander B. Gherardi. 

" Lackawanna, Captain J. B. Marehand, with the 
Seminole, Commander E. Donaldson. 

" Monongahela, Commander J. H. Strong, with the 
Kennebec, Lientenant-Commander W. P. McCann. 

'' Ossipee, Commander W. E. LeRoy, with the Itasca, 
Lientenant-Commander George Brown. 

" Oneida, Commander J. R. M. Mullany, with the 
Galena, Lieutenant-Commander C. II. Wells. 

" The iron-clads Tecumseli, Commander T. A. M. 
Craven, the Manhattan, Commander J. W. A. Nichol- 
son, the Winnebago, Commander T. H. Stevens, and the 
Chickasaw, Lieutenant-Commander T. II. Perkins, were 
already ahead inside the bar, and liad been ordered to 
take up their positions on the starboard side of the wooden 
ships, or between them and Fort Morgan, for the double 
purpose of keeping down the fire from the water battery 
and the parapet guns of the fort, as well as to attack the 
ram Tennessee as soon as the fort was passed. It was 
only at the urgent request of the captains and commanding 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAERAGUT. 253 

officers that I yielded to the Brooklyn being the leading 
ship of the line, as she had four diase guns and an in- 
genious arrangement foi' picking up torpedoes, and be- 
cause in their judgment the flag-ship ought not to be too 
much exposed. This I believe to be an error ; for apart 
from the fact that exposure is one of tlie penalties of rank 
in the navy, it will always be the aim of the enemy to 
destroy the flag-sliip, and, as will appear in the sequel, 
such attempt was very persistently made, but Providence 
did not permit it to be successful. 

" The attacking fleet steamed steadily up the main 
ship channel, the Tecumseh firing the first shot at 6 :47. 
At six minutes past seven the fort opened upon ug, and 
was replied to by a gim from the Brooklyn, and imme- 
diately after the action became general. It was soon ap- 
parent that there was some difficulty ahead. The Brook- 
lyn, for some cause which I did not tlicn clearly under- 
stand, but which has since been explained by Captain 
Alden in his report, arrested the advance of the whole 
fleet, while at the same time the gims of the fort were 
playing with great eflfect upon that vessel and the Hart- 
ford. A moment after I saw the Tecumseh, stnick by a 
torpedo, disappear almost instantaneously beneath the 
waves, carrying with her her gallant commander and 
nearly all her crew. I determined at once, as I had 
originally intended, to take the lead, and after ordering 
the Metacomet to send a boat to save if possible any of 



254 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARKAGUT. 

the perishing crew, 1 dashed ahead with the Hartford, and 
the ships followed on, their officers believing that they 
were going to a nol>le death v.itli their commander-in- 
chief. I steamed through between the buoys where the 
torpedoes vrere supposed to have been sunk. These 
buoys had been previously examined by my flag-lieut- 
enant, J. Crittenden Watson, in several night recon- 
noissances. Though he had not been able to discover 
the sunken torpedoes, yet we had been assured by ref- 
ugees, deserters, and others, of their existence ; but be- 
lieving that from their having been some time in the 
■water they were probably innocuous, I determined to take 
the chance of their explosion. 

" From the moment I turned to the northwestward to 
clear the middle ground, we were enabled to keep such a 
broadside fire upon the batteries of Fort Morgan that 
their guns did us comparatively little injury. Just after 
"we passed the fort, w'hich^w^as about ten minutes before 
eight o'clock, the ram Tennessee dashed out at this ship, 
as bad been expected, and in anticipation of which I had 
ordered the monitors on our starboard side. I took no 
further notice of her than to return her fire. The rebel 
gunboats Morgan, Gaines, and Selma, were ahead, and 
the latter particularly annoyed us with a raking fire, 
which our guns could not return. At two minutes after 
eight o'clock I ordered tlie Metacomet to cast oil" and go 
in pursuit of the Selma. Captain Jouett was after her in 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAEEAGUT. 255 

a moment, and in an hour's time he had her as a prize. 
She was commanded by P. N. Murphy, formerly of the 
United States Navy. He was wounded in the wrist ; his 
executive officer, Lieutenant Comstock, and eight of the 
crew killed, and seven or eight wounded. Lieutenant- 
Commander Jouett's conduct during the whole afiair 
commands my Vrarmest commendations. The Morgan 
and Gaines succeeded in escaping under the protection 
of the guns of Fort Morgan, which would have been pre- 
vented liad Ihe other gunboats been as prompt in their 
movements as the Metacomet. The want of pilots, how- 
ever, I believe, was tiie principal diflieulty. The Gaines 
was so injured by our fire that she had to be run ashore, 
where she Avas subsequently destroyed, but the Morgan 
escaped to Mobile during the night, though she was 
chased and fired upon by our cruisers. 

" Having passed the forts and dispersed the enemy's 
gunboats, I had ordered most of the vessels to anchor, 
when I perceived the ram Tennessee standing up for this 
ship ; this was at forty-five minutes past eight. I was not 
long in comprehending his intentions to be the destruction 
of the fiag-ship. The monitors and such of the wooden 
vessels as I thought best adapted for the purpose, were 
immediately ordered to attack the ram, not only with their 
guns but bows on at full speed. And then began one of 
the fiercest naval combats on record. The Monongahela, 
Commander Strong, was the first vessel that sti'uck her, 



256 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARKAGUT. 

and in doing so carried away his own iron prow, together 
with the cutwater, without apparently doing his adversaiy 
much injury. The Lackawanna, Captain INIai'chand, was 
the next vessel to strike her, which she did at full speed ; 
but though her stern was cut and crushed to the plank 
ends for the distance of three feet above the water's edge 
to five feet below, the only perceptible effect on the ram 
was to give her a heavy lift. The Hartford was the third 
vessel v.'hieh struck ] er, but as the Tennessee quickly 
shifted her helm, the blow was a glancing one, and as she 
rasped along our side we poured our whole port broadside 
of 9-inch solid shot within ten feet of her casemate. The 
monitors worked slowly, but delivered their fire as oppor- 
tunity offered. The Chickasaw succeeded in getting under 
her stei'n, and a 15-inch shot from the JNIanhattan broke 
thi'ough her iron plating and heavy wooden backing, 
though the missile itself did not enter the vessel. 

" Immediately after the collision with the flag-ship, I 
directed Captain Drayton to bear down for the ram again. 
He was doing so at full speed, when, unfortunately, the 
Lackawanna ran into the Hartford just forward of the 
raizzen-mast, cutting her down to withiu two feet of the 
water's edge. We soon got clear again, however, and 
were fast approaching our adversary, when she struck her 
colors and ran up the white flag. She was at this time 
8ore beset : the Chickasaw was pounding aAvay at her 
stern, the Ossipee was approaching her at full speed, and 



LITE OF ADMIRAL i?AEEAGUT. 257 

the MonongahclafLackawanna, and this ship were bear- 
ing down upon her, determined upon her destruction. 
Her smoke-stack had been shot away, lier steering-chains 
Avere gone, compelling a resort to her relieving tackles, 
and several of the port-shutters were jammed. Indeed, 
from the time the Hartford struck her until her surrender, 
she never fired a gun. As the Ossipee, Commander Le 
R03-, was about to slrike her, she lioisted the white flag, 
and that vessel immediately stopped her engine, though 
not in time to avoid a glancing blow. During the contest 
with the rebel gunboats and the ram Tennessee, and which 
terminated by her surrender at ten o'clock, we lost many 
more men than from the fire of the batteries of Fort 
Morgan. Admiral Buchanan was wounded in the leg, two 
or three of his men were killed, and five or six wounded. 
Commander Johnston, formerly of the U. S. Navy, w^as 
in command of the Tennessee, and came on board the 
llag-ship to surrender hh sword and that of Admiral Bu- 
chanan. The Surgeon, Dr. Conrad, came Avith him, 
stated the condition of the Admiral, and wished to know 
what was to be done with him. Fleet-Surgeon Palmer, 
who was on board the Hartford during the action, com- 
miserating the sufferings of the wounded, suggested that 
those of both sides be sent to Pensacola, where they could 
be properly cared for. I therefore addressed 'a note to 
Brigadier-General R. L. Page, commanding Fort Morgan, 
informing him that Admiral Buchanan and otht;rs of the 
17 



258 LIFE OF ADillFvAL FAKRAGUT. 

Tennessee Lad been wounded, and desiring to know 
Avliether he would permit one of our vessels under a flag 
of ti'uce to convey theni vrith, or willtout, our men 
wounded to Pensacola, on the understanding that the 
vessel would take out none but the wounded, and bring 
nothing back that she did not take out. This was acceded 
to by General Page, and the Metacomet proceeded on this 
mission of humanity. 

" As I had an elevated position in the main rig- 
ging near the top, I Avas able to OAcrlook not only the 
deck of the Hartford, but tlie other vessels of the 
fleet. I witnessed the terrible effects, of the enemy's 
shot and the good conduct of the men at their guns ; and 
although no doubt their hearts sickened, as mine did, 
when their shipmates were struck down beside them, yet 
there was not a moment's hesitation to lay their comrades 
aside and spring again to their deadly work. Our little 
consort, the Metacomet, was also under iny immediate 
eye during the whole action up to the moment I ordered 
her to cast off in pursuit of the Selma. The coolness and 
promptness of Lieutenant-Commander Jouett throughout 
merit high praise ; his whole conduct was worthy of his 
reputation. In this connection, I must not omit to call the 
attention of the Department to the conduct of Acting En- 
sign Henry C. Niclds, of the Metacomet, Avho had charge 
of the boat sent from that vessel when the Tel'umseh 
sunk. He took her in imder one of the most galling fires I 




The Battle ix ^loiur.E n,\RnoR, p. 2~>H. 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARKAGUT. 259 

ever saw, and succeeded in rescuing from death ten of her 
crew within GOO yards of tlie fort. I would respectfully 
recommend his advancement. The commanding officers 
of all the vessels who took part in the action deserve my 
warmest commendations, not only for the untiring zeal 
with wliich they had prepared their ships for the contest, 
but for their skill and daring in carrying out my orders 
during the engagement. With the exception of the mo- 
mentary arrest of the fleet Avhcn the Hai'tford passed 
ahead, and to which I have already adverted, the order 
of battle was preserved, and the ships followed each other 
in close order past the batteries of Fort Morgan, and in 
comparative safety, too, with the exception of the Oneida. 
Her boilers were penetrated by a shot from the fort which 
completely disabled her, but her consort, the Galena, 
firmly fastened to her side, brought her safely through, 
showing clearly the wisdom of the precaution of carrying 
the vessels in two abreast. Commander Mullany, who 
had solicited eagerly to take part iu the action, was se- 
verely wounded, losing his left arm. In the encounter 
with the ram, the commanding officers obeyed with alac- 
rity the order to run her down, and without hesitation 
exposed their ships to destruction to destroy the enemy. 
Our irou-clads, from their slow speed and bad steering, 
had some difficulty in getting into and maintaining their 
position in line as we passed the fort, and in the sub- 
sequent encounter with the Tennessee, from tlie same 



260 LIFE OF ADMIT. AL FAEKAGUT. 

causes -were not so effect ive as could have been desired ; 
but I cannot give too much praise to Lieuteuant-Cora- 
mandcr Perkins, Avho, though he had orders from the 
Department to return North, volunteered to take command 
of the ChickasaAY, and did his duty nobly. 

" The Winnebago was commanded by Commander 
T. II. Stevens, who volunteered for that position. His 
vessel steers very badly, and neither of his turrets will 
work, which compelled him to turn his vessel every time 
to get a shot, so that he could not fire very often, but he 
did the best under the circumstances. 

" The Manhattan appeared to Avork wcU, though she 
moved slowly. Commander Nicholson delivered his fire 
deliberately, and, as before stated, with one of his lo-inch 
shot broke through the armor of the Tennessee, with its 
wooden backing, though the shot itself did not enter the 
vessel. No other shot broke through her armor, though 
many of her plates were started, and several of her port- 
shutters jammed by the fire from the different ships. 

" The Hartford, my flag-ship, was commanded by 
Captain Percival Drayton, Avho exhibited throughout that 
coolness and ability for which he has been long known 
to his brother officers, liut I must speak of that officer 
in a double capacity. lie is the flcct-captair_ of my 
squadron, and one of more determined energy, untiring 
devotion to duty, and zeal for the service, tempered by 
great calmness, I do not tliiiik adorns any navy. I do- 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAEKAGUT. 2G1 

sire to Ciill your attention to this officer, tliougli well 
aware tliat in thus speaking of his high qualities I am 
only communicating officially to the Department that 
which it know full well hcfore. To him, and to my 
staff in their respective positions, I am indebted for the 
detail of my fleet. 

" Lieutenant J. Crittenden Vv'atson, my fiag-lieutenanty 
hai been brought to your notice in former despatches. 
During the action he was on the poop attending to the 
signals, and performed his duties as migiit be expected — 
thorougldy. lie is a scion wortliy the noble stock he 
sprang from, and I commend him to your attention. My 
secretary, Iilr. McKinlcy, and acting ensign E. II. 
Brownell, were also on the poop, the latter taking notes 
of tiie action, a duty which he performed with coolness 
and accuracy. 

" Two other acting ensigns of my staff (Mr. Bogart 
and Mr. Ileginbotham) wei"e on duty in the powder divi- 
sion, and, as the reports will show, exhibited zeal and 
ability. The latter, I regret to say, was severely wound- 
ed by a raking shot from the Tennessee when we col- 
lided with that vessel, and died a few hours after. Mr. 
Ileginbotham was a young married man, and has left a. 
widow and one child, whom I commend to the kindness 
of the Department. 

" Lieutenant A. R. Yates, of the Augusta, acted as an 
additional aide to me on board the Hartford, and was very 



262 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAEEAGUT. 

efficient in llic transmission of orders. I have given him 
the command, temporarily, of the captured steamer Selma. 

'' The last of my staff', and to whom I would call the 
notice of the Department, is not the least in importance. 
I mean Pilot Martin Freeman. He has been my great 
reliance in all difficulties in his line of duty. Dm.'iug tlie 
action he was in the main-top, piloting the ships into the 
bay. He Avas cool and brave throughout, never losmg 
his self-possession. This man was captured early in the 
war in a fine fishing smack which he owned, and, though 
he protested that he had no interest in the war, and only 
asked for the privilege of fisliiug for the fleet, yet his ser- 
vices Avere too valuable to the captors as a pilot not to be 
secured. He was appointed a first-class pilot, and has 
served us Avith zeal and fidelity, and has lost his vessel, 
which went to pieces on Ship Island. I commend him to 
the Department. 

" It gives me pleasure to refer to several officers Avho 
volunteered to take any situation Avhere they might be 
iiscful, some of Avhom were on their way North, either 
by orders of the Department or condemned by medical 
survey. The reports of dilferent commanders Avill show 
how they conducted themselves. 

" I have already mentioned Lieutenant-Commander 
Perkins, of the Chickasaw, and Lieutenant Yates, of the 
Augusta. Acting volunteer Lieutenant William Hamil- 
ton, late commanding officer of the Auausfa Dinsmore, 



LIFE OF ADMIKAL FAKRAQDT. 263 

had been invalided by medical survey, but he eagerly 
offered his services on board the iron-clad Cliickasaw, 
having had much experience in our monitoi-s. 

" Acting volunteer Lieutenant P. Giraud, another 
experienced officer in iron-clads, asked to go in one of 
these vessels, but as they were all well supplied with 
officers I permitted him to go on the Ossipee, imder 
Commander Le Roy. After the action, he vras given 
temporary charge of the ram Tennessee. 

'•Before closing this report, there is one other officer 
of my squadron of Avhorn I feel bound to speak, Captain 
T. A. Jenkins, of the Richmond, who v^^as formerly my 
chief of staff, not because of his having held that position, 
but because he never forgets to do his duty to the Gov- 
ernment, and takes now the same interest in the fleet as 
when he stood in that relation to me. He is also tlic 
commanding officer of the second diAision of my squadron, 
and, as such, has shown ability and the most untiring 
zeal. He carries out the spirit of one of Lord Colliug- 
■v.-ood's best sayings: 'Not to be afraid of doing too 
much ; those vrho are, seldom do as much as th.ey ought.' 
"Wlien in Pensacola he spent days on the bar, placing the 
buoys in the best positions ; was always looking after the 
interests of the service, and keeping the vessels from being 
detained one moment longer in ports than was neccEsary. 
The gallant Craven told me only the night before the 
action in which he lost his life : ' I regret. Admiral, that 



2G4: LIFE OF ADMIIJAL FAKRxiGUT. 

I have detained you ; but had it not been for Captain 
Jenkins, God knows when I should have been here. 
When your order came, I had not received an ounce of 
coal ! ' 

" I feel that 1 shoukl not be doing my duly did I not 
call the attention of the Department to an officer who has 
performed all his various duties with so much zeal and 
fidelity. 

" Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
" D. G. Fakragut, 
" Eear-Adniiral, Commanding W. G. Squadron." 

There ayus a fact in llie engagement v/hich indicates 
the depth of attachment cherished toward the " Old Sal- 
amander," as he was familiarly called by his brave " boys." 
Yv'hen the Hartford retired from the first onset upon 
the rebel flag-ship Tennessee, and got ready to dash the 
second time against the enemy, suddenly slie was her- 
self struck with tremeiidous power by one of our own 
vessels moving down upon the same defiant leviathan 
of treason. There was a fearful crash, and the alarm 
spread among the loyal seamen for the Admiral's 
safety. 

Above the roar and din of the strife rose the voices 
of loyal, devoted men, " The Admiral ! the Admiral ! 
Save the Admiral ! Get the Admiral out of the ship ! " 
All thought of personal safety was lost in the intense 



LITE OF ADIIIEAL FAREAGUT. 2C5 

anxiety of those brave hearts for their noble commander. 
Sublimely beautiful illustration of unselfish, merited de- 
votion, amid the flying shot which imperilled every life ! 
It was a crisis of thrilling interest. 

It soon became apparent that the Hartford would sur- 
vive the shock, and, though shattered and quivering under 
the blow, continue to float. To keep above water was 
enough for the untrembling hero ; and turning to his 
valiant fleet-captain, his order was : " Go on with speed ! 
Kam her again ! " And on the Hartford went, to conquer 
or go down. Just before slie reached tlie Tennessee the 
white flag was run up, and the enemy was ours ! "With 
such a glorious leader, who declares that God is his leader, 
success must wait upon action. 

" The moral of tlie fight in Mobile is — ' Get close to 
your enemy ; ' the nearer the better, the nearer the safer. 
The rebels imagined that the ship channel leading so very 
close to the powerful Fort jMorgan, no ships would dare 
attempt the passage ; or, if the attempt were made, none 
would succeed, But inFarragut's hands this peculiarity 
of the channel became an advantage to the attacking, and 
a weakness to the defending side. He carried his flag- 
ship, the Hartford, close as possible to the stone Avails, 
and instead of trying to batter them down with heavy 
shot, actually drove the gunners from their guns by well- 
directed A olleys of grape and canister. This would be 
almost incredible ; but if it were not true our fleet could 



^t)t) LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAKKAGTJT. 

not have passed the fort and water battery with so little 
iujury as it received. 

" The novel and ingenious expedient of lashing his 
vessels together, two and two, showed how thoroughly the 
Rear-Admiral had considered the dangers in his way, and 
how successfully he met them. First : if the exposed half 
of his tleet had been disabled, the other half would stiU 
have gone in with but little iujui-y. Second : his battle line 
was not liable to disorganization, by any vessel dropping 
out, and per-!iaps fouling another. The Oneida was dis- 
abled, but her consort pulled her through, and the Oneida's 
men did not even leave their gitus. Third : if any vessel 
had been sunk, her consort would have surely and quick- 
ly have saved the crew. Fourth : his battle-line was 
shortened by half, and the passage of course robbed of 
half its risks to the fleet. These v>ere the chief points 
gained by Farragut's admirable and novel disposition of 
his force. 

" Farragut stood, high above the smoke of battle, in the 
main-top, lashed there that he might not be dashed from 
his perch by the shock of concussion with the enemy's 
ships. From there he had u clear view of the Held, and 
was able to give his orders wiili precision and certainty. 
It wiU not have escaped the reader's attention, that, 
though the Admiral did not, for suflicient reasons, place 
his own ship in the van of the battle in passing the forts, 
no sooner did an accident cause the Brooklyn to slow. 



LIFE OF ADMIPvAL FAEKAGUT. 267 

than he ordered the Hartford to pass her, and lead the 
advance." 

It was one of the grandest spectacles ever witnessed 
in battle, when, lashed to masts, the admiral looked down 
from his exposed watch-tower upon the fiercely raging 
contest. It made his men wild with enthusiasm, and 
v/ill ahvays be admired while heroism is dear to the 
people. 

At length the news reached England, and the Times 
and Naval Journal thus replied to the thunder of Farra- 
gut's war-ships : 

" Admiral Farragut has been the most successful of 
all the Federal officers. His achievement in the present 
case is, as we have said, precisely similar to his opera- 
tions at New Orleans, although the struggle in this in- 
stance Las been far more severe. In both cases he has 
run the gauntlet of forts supported by a fleet. At New 
Orleans the Confederates were very ill prepared ; but his 
success in the present instance, against what we may sup- 
pose to be the matured defences of tv^'o forts, cannot but 
be instructive to us at a time when v/e are occupied v/ith 
a scientific contest between ships and guns. It would 
seem that where the passage of a fleet cannot be ob- 
structed, it can always run the gauntlet of forts at the 
expense of a certain amount of loss. Tlie defeat of the 
Federals before Charleston has principally arisen from 
the facility vv-ith which the Confederates have obstriicted 



2G8 LITE OF ADMIRAL FAEEAGUT. 

the channels, and have thus been able to d^P^ the Fed- 
eral fleet under tlie fire of their forts. We shall look with 
interest for the details of this engagement, in the ex- 
pectation that they will throw some light on this disputed 
point of naval warfare." 

" Whatever speculations may have been sent abroad 
concerning the value of Farragut's success in forcing the 
forts at the entrance to Mobile Bay, there can now be no 
doubt of the signal character of his victory, and of the 
serious blow given to the Confederates in that quarter. 
It was argued that he had done nothing more than run 
past Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan, and sink and destroy 
a certain number of the enemy's fleet ; that his position 
was most precarious, as his transports could not pass the 
batteries, and that he would have to run back again for 
supplies ; that he could not get up to the town iu conse- 
quence of shoal water and of formidable works on land ; 
and that he could not hope to hold his ovm, as he had no 
troops to make an impression on the sides of the bay, and 
prevent the transmission of supplies to the forts at the en- 
trance. Yesterday's news blew all tliesc speculations, ar- 
guments, and assertions into the air, with one exception. 
By the surrender of Fort Gaines on the Avest side of the 
entrance, and by the voluntary destruction of Fort Powell 
on Dauphin Island, the position of Farragut is rendered 
secure. The middle channel is left open, and stores can 
be landed under the guns of Fort Gaines ; and the chan- 



LITE OF ADMIRAL I'AEEAGUT. 209 

nel to New Orleans, Avliicli was closed by Fort Powell, 
near Grant's Pass, must now fall into the hands of the 
victors. How far Mobile is itself in danger must depend 
on the power of the Federal Government to send such an 
army there as may assist and cover the flotilla in its future 
operations. On the west side the city is reported to be 
defended by very heavy earthworks and batteries ; and on 
the Dog River bar, just below the city, there is a line of 
sunken vessels. On the east side thei'e are few works, 
but the city is defended there by the Tensas Elver, and 
by the deep, broad, and rapid Alabama. However, on 
that side lies Pensacola, and, if the Federals can assemble 
an army there to march straiglit on the east side of the 
city, whilst another force approaches and invests the west 
side, the Confederates will be hard set to hold their oavu. 
They must collect an army to defend the city, which, is 
now between four hostile points — New Oi-leans to the 
west, Sherman's army to the north, Farragut's fleet to 
south, and Pensacola to the east. Next to New Orleans, 
the city of Mobile was the greatest cotton port in the 
State. It was lately driving a considerable trade in 
blockade-running, and gave abundant supplies to the 
Confederacy. Now, neither can cotton go out nor goods 
run in, and Mobile, its inhabitants, and garrison, are 
thrown on the resources of the impoverished and hax-d- 
pressed Confederacy." 

" T " has celebrated the victory in a beautiful poem : 



270 LITE OF ADMIRAL FARRAGUT. 



"mobile bay. 

The £oa upon tlie bar is smooth, 

Yet perilous the path 
Where Gaines' and Morgan's bristliug guns 

Belch fortli their rebel wrath. 
And, close beyond, their iron-clads 

Loom iu the breaking day ; 
But Farragut is leaiUng us, 

And we will eluar the way. 

Fast Sew the shot, licrec shrieked the shell ; 

Thundered our l)road3ides back ; 
It seemed the very fires of hell 

Were bursting o'er our track. 
But steady, onward, pressed our ships, 

Careless of hurtling death, 
Till the broad waters of the bay 

Gave us a space for breath. 

One ship was lost — our woodeu-walls 

Defied the walls of stone. 
And, proudly sailing by, gave back 

The greetings fiercely thrown ; 
But, 'neath a Monitor, burst forth 

Flame from tlic treaeh'rous wave : 
In (liat foil flash, st iuiu'li ship and crew 

Pauk to an ocean grave. 

Our task is Irat begun ; — see where 
The rebel monsters ride, 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARRAQUT. 271 

In armor clad of matcblcss proof, 

Vauntful in untamed pride. 
They long have been the rebel boast, 

Monarchs of all their kind ; 
Shot fly their adamantine sides, 

Their rush is liive the wind. 

Oh, helpless seem our oaken hulls. 

Powerless each well-tried gun : 
The rebel, in his pride, believes 

The fight already won. 
But gallant souls are panic proof, 

In God their hopeful trust, — 
Spirit is mightier than flesh — 

Soul than its casing dust. 

Again our Viking leads the way ; 

Glorious the sailor pride 
With which our wooden-walls dash on. 

To perils all untried. 
Whilst, confident in iron strength, 

The rebel monsters leap. 
To crush us 'neath their iron prows,. 

And whelm us in the deep. 

Close quarters now ; we cannot fend 

The blows that on us rain ; 
Our only wish — our only thought — 

To deal them back again. 
Our muzzles touch their iron sides. 

Our ports alive with flame ; 
Hurrah ! our thunderbolts, close driv'n,. 

Crash through the annored frame. 



272 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAKKAGUT. 

We heed uot though our comrades full 

Like leaves at Winter's breath ; 
Drunk with the glorious battle-rage, 

We lead the Dance of Death. 
Berserkars all, we httle reck 

Whom Odin's choice may be ; 
The carnage only fires our hearts 

Fiercer for victory. 

We triumph ! — see the traitor flag 

Is doused — the white one flies ; 
The rebel admiral has struck ; 

Conquered the monster lies ; 
A second yields, whilst far away 

The others wildly flee. 
Hurrah ! our wooden-walls have swept 

The Cyclops from the sea. 

Thanks be to God ! for in His strength 

We won the glorious fight : 
May He receive our comi-ades brave 

Who bade the world good night. 
And may our people oft recall. 

Through many a happy day, 
The men who fought with Farragut 

In bloody Mobile Bay. 
August 5, 18G4." 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



Tho National Joy— The President's Tbauks— Congressional Action— Other 
Voices of Gladness— Leave of Absence— Arrival at New York— The Wel- 
come — Is created Yice-Admii-al. 



HE " gTcat naval victory" tlirilled tLe nation's 

V-. heart with almost the intensity of joy that the 

^, foU of VieksburiT did. Both places had lon^ 

^ held the public eye, and much of war's resources 

(d^' had been expended upon them when they yielded 

to Yankee prowess. The President issued the following 

despatch : 

" E.xegi:tive Mansion, S.picmhcr 3. 

" The national thanks are tendered by the President 
to Admiral Farragut and Major-General Canby for the 
skill and harmony Avith whicii the recent operations in 
Mobile hai'bor and against Fort Powell, Fort Gaines, and 
Fort Morgan, were planned and carried into execution. 

" Also, to Admu'al Farragut and Major-General 
Granger, under whose immediate command they were 



274 LITE OF ADMIEAL FAKEAGUT. 

conducted, and to the gallant commanders on sea and 
land, and to the sailors and soldiers engaged in the opera- 
tions, for their energy and courage, which, under the 
blessing of Providence, have been crowned with brilliant 
success, and have won for them tlie apphiuse and thanks 
of the nation. Abraham Lincoln." 

Congress united in the expression of grateful admi- 
ration toward our heroes, in resolutions of a similar char- 
acter. In giving utterance to the popular gladness, the 
Army and Navy Journal well said : " Rear- Admiral Far- 
ragut has added another red-letter day to our naval cal- 
endar. The 5th of August will be ' kept ' by old salts, in 
years to come, as commemorating one of the proudest 
and most daring achievements of our own or any other 
navy. Just as some of our old commodores, veterans of 
the last Avar with Great Britain, would put on their fight- 
ing coats, and fight the battle over again on the anniver- 
sary of some one of Perry's, or Decatur's, or HuU's 
famous victoi'ies, so will the veterans of this war, in 
years to come, celebrate the passage of the Mississippi 
forts, and the victory in ]\robile Bay. Nor will they need 
to boast over their grog — for the plainest and baldest 
story of these battles will excite the wonder and admi- 
ration of the listening youngsters, 

" In the attack on the forts and fleet of Mobile, Far- 
ragut has displayed the same rare combination of qual- 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARRAGUT. 275 

itics for Avliich lie iirst became generally known by the 
brilliant passage of the Mississippi forts. In both these 
actions he showed himself as audacious as though he had 
not a grain of sense, and as prudent as though he had not 
a spark of audacity. He is as great in preparation as in 
action ; he makes such novel and admirable use of his 
means as to baffle all the plans of the enemy ; and hav- 
ing prepared himself Avith all the patience of the merest 
plodder, he delivers battle Avith an impetuosity which 
breaks down all resistance. 

" In many of his qualities Farragut resembles Lord 
Dundonald, the bravest and truest of British seamen ; 
the Englishman, above all others, dear to the hearts of 
British seamen. It requires a man of Farragut's genius 
and unconquerable pluck, a man avIio, to quote the words 
of the Secretary of the Navy, is willing to take great 
risks in order to accomplish great results. Tennesseeans 
may be proud that their State has produced two such men 
as Andrew Jackson and D. G. Farragut. 

" Let us hope that Congress will at its next session 
provide a proper reward for the old hero, to whom we owe 
two such brilliant and important victories. Rear- Admiral 
is at present the highest grade in our navy. It is an ab- 
surd designation, to be at the head ; and we cannot think 
it woiUd have been declared such had not the Naval Com- 
mittees intended to leave the opportunity open to create 
the higher grade vhieh the title 7?ear-A(lmiral supposes. 



27G LIFE OF ABhllllAh VMlliAGVI. 

It is not our custom to reward with grants of ruoncy, or 
witli titles, the great achievements of tlic nation's leaders. 
But it is fit that such services as Farragut has rendered, 
and as otliers may render, should receive the acknowl- 
edgment vrhich sailors and soldiers prize — an advance in 
i-auk. We have now the. grade of Lieutenant-General in 
the army ; and Farragut has given cause for the estab- 
lishment of equal grade in the navy." 

The veteran hero continued to command the Gulf 
Squadron during the subsequent weeks of comparative 
rest, till, feeling the need of a furlough, he was granted 
leave of absence for three months. He immediately took 
a warm adieu of his brave men, with the gjcccption of 
those who accompanied him in the flag-ship Hartford. 

" The Hartford sailed from Peusacola November 20th, 
reaching Key West December 4th, and on the 8th encoun- 
tering a terrible gale, which continued for two days. On 
the 12th she dropped her anchor off New York. The 
ibllowip.g is her list of officers, and the story of the Ad- 
uiiral's reception : 

" I\ear-Admiral — David G. Farragut. 

'• Captain — Percival Drayton. 

•' Lieutenant-Commander — Lewis A. Kimberly. 

" Lieutenants, J. Critlendon Watson, II. B. Tyson, La 
Rue P. Adams ; Ensigns, Yfm. II. Whiting, G. B. D. 
Glidden ; Acting Master's Mates, George R. Avery, W. 
II. Ilathornc, J. J. Tinell, James Morgan, Chas. Brown ; 



LIFE OF ADMIKAL FAEEAGUT. "Zii 

Boatswain, Robert Dixon ; Gunner, John S. Staples ; 
A.cting Vol. Lieutenant, George G. Upham ; Surgeon, 
Phillip Lansdale ; Assistant Sui'geon, "\Yin. Commons; 
Paymaster, Wm. T. Meredith ; Chief Engineer, Thomas 
Williamson ; First Assistant Engineers, E. B. Hatch, F. 
A.. "Wilson ; Second Assistant Engineers, Isaac De Graff, 
[I. L. Pickington ; Third Assistant Engineer, James E. 
Speights ; Secretary to Commander of Squadron, Alex'r 
McKinley ; Acting Ensign to Commander of Squadron, 
Wm. Bourne ; Paymaster's Clerk, Horatio A. Wood ; 
Carpenter, Hiram L. Dixon ; Sailmaker, Theodore C. 
tierhert ; Captain of Marines, Charles Heywood. 

" The committee, to v/hom had been assigned the task 
jf welcoming tlic Hartford and her commander, proceeded 
:o the foot of Broadway at 114^ o'clock, and theuce em- 
barked on board Captain Constable's revenue cutter Bronx, 
which Collector Draper had kindly afforded for the occa- 
sion. Accompanying the collector were Messrs. Francis 
Skiddy, Isaac Bell, Mr. Stewart, the Assistant Treasurer, 
and other prominent citizens. There was considerable 
iincertainty as to the arrival of the Hartford, but it was 
the fixed determination of Collector Draper to make the 
trip, in order that the gallant conqueror of Fort Morgan 
should be met with welcome at the very mouth of our 
barbor, or beyond. 

" At ItV o'clock, however, the anxiety of all on board 
was relieved by the intelligence that the Hartford was in 



2Y8 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAREAGUT. 

sight, and comiug up the outer bay. Before this, however, 
it had been ascertained from tlic bark Australian, which 
■was spoken off Slaten Iskmd, tliat the Hartford v/as at 
the bar, with Admiral Farragut on board. All haste was 
now made to reach the Hartford, and when but a slight 
interval remained between the two vessels, Admiral Far- 
ragut and Captain Drayton appeared on their poop-deck, 
and exchanged friendly salutations with the party on board 
the cutter. Enthusiastic cheers were given by those on 
board the sliips. The latter came on the starboard 
side of the flag-ship, at whose niizzcn-mast flaunted the 
blue pennant of the Admiral. The committee, and others, 
on stepping on board the flag-ship, were heartily greeted 
by her commander, when the whole party proceeded 
down into the principal cabin. After having taken seats, 
and preliminary introductions being concluded. Collector 
Draper arose and spoke as follows : 

" ' Admiral Fariiagut : It becomes my pleasing duty 
to inform you, on behalf of a committee which we here 
represent that arrangements have been made to tender to 
)0u a reception somewhat worthy of your great services 
to the country ; and in order that I may perform my 
duty acceptably to the gentlemen who commissioned me, 
I have to state that they are ready to give you a cordial 
welcome on your arrival in the city. They fully appre- 
ciate the honors which you have bestowed on the flag and 
the country, which you have so often successfully defended. 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAKKAGUT. 279 

You justly hold a prominent place in the affections of the 
city, which is preeminently proud of your services. On 
your arrival you Avill be received by a meeting of the 
leading citizens, Avho will be ready to congratulate you 
on your visit to the city, and to show their appreciation 
of your great efforts in support of the nation.' 

" The Collector then read the resolutions adopted at the 
meeting in the Astor House relative to the Admiral, and 
closed by expressing the pleasure he experienced at being 
delegated with the other members of the committee to 
escort the Admiral to this city. 

" Tlic Admu'al responded very briefly indeed. He felt 
bound to return to the committee his sincere thanks for 
the manner in which his services were spoken of by them, 
and believed the consideration was applicable to his com- 
mand. He had done no more than his duty, and felt 
deeply grateful for the tokens of appreciation he had 
received. 

" During the friendly intercourse that followed, the Ad- 
miral pointed out several curiosities that he had on board 
his ship. Among these were two chairs, placed in his 
cabin, one of which formerly belonged to the rebel Gen- 
eral Page, and the other to Admiral Buchanan, which 
latter had been taken from the Tennessee. On tlie back 
of the first was the inscription, ' Brig.-Gen. Page, Au- 
gust 23, 1864,' and on the second, ' Admiral Buchanan, 
August 6, 1864.' The iron-clad Dictator, bound in from 



280 LIFE OF ADHIRAL FAREAGUT. 

her trial trip, passed within a few yards of the Hailford. 
The crews of both vessels cheered loudly. On nearing 
Governor's Island the steamer Henry Burden came along- 
side, and sent on board General Van ^'liet and Colonel 
Clitz, Avlio paid their respects to Admiral Farragut. The 
French steamer Tysephone, which lay in the vicinity, 
dipped her colors three times in compliment to the Admi- 
ral, and her commander also came on board. When op- 
site the Battery the Hartford was anchored, when the 
Bronx came alongside, and taking the Admiral and entire 
company on board, landed them. 

" Much curiosity was manifested by members of the 
committee with regard to the vessel which has become so 
famous during the war. Her decks Avere tidy enough, 
but her rigging and spars bore testimony, from their 
weather-worn appearance, to the severity of the storm 
they have recently withstood ; while, perhaps, an observ- 
ant eye might have detected indications of sterner strife 
than that of the elements — the freshly mended battlc-scai-a 
which paint could not wholly hide. 

" In personal appearance, Admiral Farragut would 
suggest to the minds of the many the ' Sir Gervais Oaks' 
of Cooper's novel of the 'Two Admirals.' Hale, hearty, 
and of rather spare but pow^crful mould, the hero of New 
Orleans and Mobile Bay is apparently between fifty and 
sixty years of age. He looks as if he deai'ly loved a 
joke, steps with the springiness of a boy, and his manner 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAKRAGUT. 281 

is SO perfectly frank and unassuming that it is no wonder 
that he is beloved by his officers and men. 

" It was about 3;^ o'clock when the revenue cutter 
Bronx, with Messrs. IMoses Taylor, vSloane, and a few other 
gentlemen of the committee, started a second time from her 
dock at the Battery, for Mrs. Admiral Farragut's ' dear 
old Hartford,' which, by this time, had come to anchorage 
in the harbor. She was soon reached, and Admiral Far- 
ragut, accompanied by Captain Drayton, Collector Draper, 
General Van Vliet, and several officers of the ship, de- 
scended to the deck of the Bronx ; while the Hartford sa- 
luted with a discharge of both broadsides. The cutter 
pushed off, and the party descended to her cabin, where 
the short interval of the pa.s.-age to the shore was occu- 
pied in a social, chatty way, the Admiral appearing in a 
most excellent humor, but having little to say, and appar- 
ently somewhat disconcerted at the number of eyes that 
were fastened upon his face. Bui a few moments had 
elapsed since the appearance of the gallant Hartford in 
the harbor was generally known, but, nevertheless, quite 
a throng collected at the dock, awaiting the arrival 
of the cutter, and anxiously trying to catch a glimpse 
of the hero of Mobile. Cheer after cliecr arose as he 
stepped on the pier, and before reaching terra firma the 
crowd had increased to hundreds, and the Admiral had to 
run a gauntlet of outstretched, welcoming hands, which he 
good-humoredly shook to the best of his ability, before 



282 LIFE OF ADlVnRAL FAKKAGUT. 

reaching the coacli which was in waiting. In this he at 
length found refuge, accompanied by Collector Draper, 
and drove toward the Custom House, followed by an 
omnibus filled wuth the remainder of the suite. The 
crowd was soon left behind, and probably but few of 
them knew that the simple hack v/liich drove so rapidly 
up Broadway and down \Yall Street, contained the distin- 
guished personages which it did until its arrival. Here 
another crowd, wild with enthusiasm, was so quickly col- 
lected that it was with difficulty that the party, with the 
old hero in their midst, and follov»ed by a press of solid 
citizens, could penetrate up stairs to the Collector's room. 
This was, however, at length readied, but filled, almost 
as soon, to suffocation with the eager crowd, but a small 
space being reserved for the Admiral, Messrs. Draper, 
Taylor, and a few others. Among the notables present 
were General John Coclirane, General Wetmore, tlie Hon. 
Hiram Walbridge, Assistant-Treasurer Stewart, and a 
great many others." 

Collector Draper called the meeting to order, and in- 
troduced Moses Taylor, Esq., who said that, in behalf of 
the citizens of New York, he cordially welcomed Admiral 
Farragut to the metropolis. He believed that the sub- 
committee, who had first met the Admiral on board the 
Hartford, had already explained the programme which 
it had been determined to pursue, which left him little 
further to sav. 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAREAGUT. 283 

Mr. Draper said : " At the request of the Chairman 
of the Merchants' Committee, I have the pleasm-e, Ad- 
miral Farragut, of reading to you tlie proceedings of the 
meeting held at this place yesterday evening : 

Recoguiziug the illustrious service, heroic bravery, and tried 
loyalty which have distinguished the life of Kear-Atliuiral D. 
G. Farragut in the cause of his country — especially the lofty 
spirit of devotion by which he has been animated during all 
tlic period of the present war, and the signal victories achieved 
by him over tlic utmost skill and effort of the Rebellion ; 
therefore 

-Resolved., That a connnittee of fifty citizens, to be named 
by the chair, with power to add to their number, be ap- 
pointed to receive Admiral Farragut on his arrival, now soon 
expected, at this port. 

Resolved, That a Federal salute be fired in honor of the ar- 
rival of the flag-ship Hartford with Admiral Farragut on 
board. 

Resolved, That the city of New York, following the exam- 
ple of the great free cities of tlie woi'ld, in doing honor to 
their illustrious countrymen, honors itself by tendering to Ad- 
miral Farragut an invitation to become a resident thereof, and 
that the committee be appointed to devise the best mode of 
carrying this resolution into effect, so that the man, his 
achievements, and his fimie may belong to the city. 

Resolved, That we see witli tlie highest satisfaction that 
the President, in his annual message, and the Secretary of the 
Treasury, recommend the creation of a higher grade of naval 
rank, with the designation of Admiral Farragut as the recip- 
ient, as a national recognition of distinguished service and 
exalted patriotism. 

Resolved, That the ofier made by the (JoUector, of a rev- 



284 LIFE OF ADMIRAL F^VEEAGUT. 

enue cutter for the use of the committee in meeting the flag- 
ship Hartford, be accepted with thanks. 

The reading of these resolutions was received with 
hearty applause at their conclusion. 

Collector Draper then said : 

" Admieal Faeragdt akd Members of the Com- 
BnTTEE : Thus far wc have fulfilled the duty which has 
been assigned to us. The sub-committee have met the 
Hartford, and found on board her honored commander, 
Admiral Farragut, and his captaia. We have performed 
that duty, on behalf of tlie committee, with feelings of 
pride and satisfaction ; and, as representing a generous 
commtmity, have endeavored to exhibit the gratitude of 
the entire nation, as expressed through this city, for the 
services and gallantry of the noble Admiral who is now 
before us. I shall say nothing mote. Admiral Farragut, 
than to repeat what I have said to you this morning, that 
all our citizens, of every age and condition, receive you 
with open arms and heartfelt gratitude." 

The Admiral arose and responded as follows : 

" Mx Friends : I can only reply to you as I did be- 
fore, by saying that I receive these compliments with great 
thankfulness and deep emotions. I am entirely unaccus- 
tomed to make such an address as I would desii'e to do 
upon this occasion ; but, if I do not express what I think 
of the honor you do me, trust nic I feel it most deeply. 
I don't think, however, that I particulal'ly deserve any 



LIFE OF ADailRAL FAKEAGUT. 285 

thing from your hands. I can merely say that I have 
done my duty to the hest of my abilities. I have been 
devoted to the service of my country since I was eight 
years of age, and my father was devoted to it before me. 
I have not specially deserved these demonstrations of your 
regard. I owe every thing, perhaps, to chance, and to 
the praiseworthy exertions of my brother officers serving 
with me. That I have been fortunate is most true, and I 
am thankful, deeply thankful for it, for my coimtry's sake. 
I return my thanks to the committee for tlicir resolutions, 
especially for the one in regard to the creation of an addi- 
tional rank." 

The modest address of the Admiral was received with 
immense enthusiasm. 

Captain Drayton, v^-ho will be remembered as a loyal 
South Carolinian, and as having distinguished himself in 
Dupout's victory at Hilton Head, where the rebel General 
Drayton (brother to the Captain), and commanding the 
forts, Avas ignominiously put to flight, arose upon his 
name being mentioned, and said : 

" My Friexds : I wish to remark how very grate- 
ful I feel to hear my name associated v»-ith that of Ad- 
miral Farragut. I merely hajjpened to be in the Hartford 
when the Admiral won his glorious battles, and am de- 
serving of no gi-atitudo from you. Let mc thank you for 
associating my name with the Admiral's." 

Colonel A. J. H. Duganne then read the following 



28 G LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARRAGUT. 

masterly and stirring ballad, wliifh was listened to with 
breathless interest throughout, although the modest Ad- 
miral wore the appearance of being somewhat overwhelmed 
with cidogy : 

FARRAGUT. 

Shipmates, together met 
Now tlie first watch is set, 

Drain we a can to night : 
Cod keep good sailors all ! 
Rest to the brave who fall ! 
God bless our Admiral, 

Leading the van to-night. 
Soon, from yon Rebel spars, 
Wearing the traitor's Bars, 
We shall fling out the Stars, 

Blazoned with Stripes again ! 
High over battle sears. 

Liberty's types again ! 
Now may the song I bring, 
Loud like a bugle ring : 
Fauragut's name I sing, — 

Fill up yoOT pipes again ! 



Down drops the setting sun ; 
Swift rolls the darkness on ; 

Shipmates ! the Night cometh ! 
Silent are trump and drum : 
Silent are shot and bomb ; 



LIFE OF ADMIKAL FARRAGUT. 287 

All the dark fleet is dumb — 

Dumb, till the fight cometh ! 
Messmates ! we'll fill the can : 
Life's but a little span ; 
Yonder's our battle-van — 

Yonder is Farragut : ' 

Drink to the lion Man — 

Drink to bold Farragut ! 
Shells be the cups we plight — 
Cannons our beakers bright ! 
Blood be our wine to-night : 

Fill up to Farragut ! 



Tell us, ye planets true ! 
Tell us, ye waters blue ! 

Whither do eagles fly ? 
Out of what ocean's foam. 
Out of what breaker's comb, 
Bom from what coral home, 

Soar up the sea-gulls high ? 
Then shall our answer rise 
Higher than eagle flies. 
Higher than sea-gull vies. 

Upward, with Farragut : 
Upward, through Glory's skies, 

Sailing with Farragut ! 
He from the seas arose. 
Grand with their deep repose; 
"White with their silver snows : 

God bless old Farragut ! 



288 LLirH OF ADLIERAL FAIJKAGUT. 



Out of War's baptism, 
Spriiikled with firc-chrism, 

Glory reveals her own ; 
Thug, like his namesake bold, 
David, renowned of old, 
Boyhood, the Man foretold ; 

Glory but sealed her own ! 
Scarce had twelve Summer suns 
Passed him, like halcyons. 
When with immortal ones 

Mingled young Farragut ; 
Breasting the Biitish gims. 

Battled young Farragut ! 
Read ye our Ilero-Scroll, 
Shrined in the Capitol : 
Fifty years back, its roll 

Bears the name — Farragut ! 

v. 
Shipmates ! ye saw the man, 
Leading our battle van, 

Calm and unfaltering : 
Under Fort Jackson's hail ; 
Storming St. Philip's mail ; 
Fronting the Eebcl gale. 

Stern and uualtering. 
Groping through shadows gray, 
Fought we our daring way ; 
Up through that gauntlet fray, 

I/cd by bold Farragut : 



LIFE OF ADMIKAL FAREAGUT. 289 

Castles and ships, at bay, 

Pounding on Farragut ! 
Oh ! what a deod was done, 
When the next morning's sua 
Told us Orleans was won — 

Won by our Farragut ! 



Shipmates ! } e 'vc seen tlie 
Building, from tropic caves, 

Columns gigantic ; 
Heard the great waters roar, 
Where, on the angry shore, 
Storm-ridden Labrador 

Braves the Atlantic : 
But the seas never woke. 
Never the thunder spoke, 
Wild as the storm that broks 

Over bold Farragut — 
Fierce as the battlc-stroko 

Hurled against FaiTagut : 
When, from those Rebel moats, 
Up from those Rebel floats. 
Six score of cannon throats 

Roared against Farragut ! 

vu. 

Oh ! how our hearts were cliillcd, 
When the low words — " He's killed," 

Some one had muttered ; 
Every pale m.outh was shut, 
19 



LIFE OF ADMIKAL FAKKAQUT. 

Yet, with one meaning mute, 
Asking for Farragut, 

Every lip fluttered. 
Quickly, to calm the doubt, 
" Farragut's here," we shout : 
Then, what a cheer rang out — 

" Farragut ! Farragut ! " 
High o'er the Rebel rout, 

" Three cheers for Farragut 1 " 
Gear as our battle-cry, 
Pealing up, wild and high. 
Rending the murky sky — 

" Thank God for Farragut I" 

VIII. 

Mates ! ye have heard full oft, 
How, when he climbs aloft. 

Under the risen stars — 
Soon, through the misty top, 
Making our pulses stop. 
Strange voices seem to drop 

Down from the mizzen-spara ; 
There, with bold Pouter, rides 
Hui-L, of the " Ironsides ; " 
There, brave Decatur glides 

Close to our Farragut — 
High o'er all battle-tides 

Talking with Farragut ! 
Though the wild typhon pipes, 
Though the fierce norther gripes, 
Under the Stars and Stripes, 

Thero sits old Farragut ! 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARRAGUT. 291 

15. 

So, when, from blazing ports, 
Hurtling at Rebel forts 

Cannon-blows thunderous, 
Down on Mobile he led 
War-ships, like dragons red, 
While all the deep sea fled, 

Quaking, from under us : 
Where the blue rockets flashed, 
Where the hot shell was dashed, 
Where the shot madly crashed, 

There wc saw Farragiit ! 
High at the mast-head lashed. 

There was old Farragut. 
Castles once more we passed ; 
Ships on the shore we cast ; 
Lashed to our banner maet 
Ptill was bold Farragut ! 

X. 

Messmates ! at morn we fight : 
This may be our last night ; 

Fill up the can again 1 
If we must bravely fall, 
God keep our dear ones all 1 
God shield the Admiral, 

Leading our van again ! 
'When, o'er yon channel bars, 
Stream out the rocket stars, 
Then, to the signal spars. 

Up will climb Farragut : 



292 lifp: of admikal farkagdt. 

Listeninc; to canrnm-jar.-', 

There will be Farragul ! 
Wrapped in his battle-cloak, 
Woven from fire and smoke, 
God bless his heart of oak ; 

There we'll sec Farp.agut i 

The poem was heartily applauded at the conclusion of 
its reading. Admiral Farragut then took the. floor, and 
shook hands wiili the people as iasi as they were intro- 
duced to him. lie proceeded fi'om the Custom House to 
the residence of a iViend on Twenty-third Street, where 
Mrs. Farragut v/as expecting him. 

You will recollect that wlicn tlic last war with Eng- 
land opened, it found our navy in a sadly weak condition. 
It was so when the rebellion burst upon the country, but 
probably will never be again. We have always been 
afraid of large military organizations, acting almost as if 
we should have nothing more to do but sliout " Inde- 
pendence now. and independence forever ! " A careful 
observer at Washington, when Congress reassembled in 
the winter of 18G4, vrrote : " The prejudice against a 
standing army and a large navy has always been so great 
in this country that we have never completed the organi- 
zation of cither. In the army tlie only grades of generals 
we permitted were brigadier and major-generals. When 
wo wanted to make Washiugton a full general, the prop- 
osition was opposed, and hnally it took a special enactment 



LIFE OF ADMIRiVL FAKRAGUT. 293 

to make him a lieutenaut-general. Another hiw was re- 
quired to raise Scott to the same rank, and still another 
for Grant ; while the highest grade, that of full general, 
which all other large armies have, and which the rebels 
have had from the outset, we have not yet reached. So 
in the navy. Before the rebellion we didn't even have a 
commodore ; and when Footc was sent to Cairo, and Du- 
pont to Charleston, each in command of a squadron, we 
had no way of distinguishing them from any other of the 
captains in their fleets, excepting by calling them ' flag- 
ofllcers.' Finally the last Congress, in a bill reorgan- 
izing the na\y, made what it thought a wonderful step 
forward, and authorized commodores and i*ear-admii"als. 
There still remain two higher I'anks, common to the 
navies of all civilized countries — 'vice-admiral' and full 
' admiral ' ; v/hile in some navies, as in the Brititih, there 
are three grades again of fall admirals, distinguished by 
the colors of tlieir pennants. In his forthcoming message, 
tlie President will recommend an advance of one grade in 
tlie navy, similar to tliat given the array last session, iu 
the revival of tlie lieutenant-generalship. The new grade 
v/ill be that of vice-admiral ; and immediately on its cre- 
ation, the Navy Department will recommend, and the 
President will nominate to ■ the vice-admiralty, the Sala- 
mander of the navy, Rear- Admiral Fairagut." 

On December 22, 1864, a bill creating the naval grade 
was introduced into the Senate and passed, when it went 



294 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAKEAGUT. . 

to the House of Representatives, und was also unani- 
mously accepted there. The following day it was signed 
by the President, who at once nominated Rear-Admiral 
Farragut to the position, which appointment was imme- 
diately confirmed by the Senate, without the usual for- 
mality of referring it to a standing committee. Vice- 
Admiral Farragut, who was in New York, was imme- 
diately notified by telegraph of the mark of distinction 
conferred upon liim. 

The rank of vice-admiral, which has been conferred 
upon Farragut, bears some resemblance to the rank of 
lieutenant-general, which was confoiTcd upon (^rant. 
The position, however, differs, we suppose, in this : that 
while Grant, as lieutenant-general, has command of all 
the armies of the United Stales, wherever they may be 
operating, Farragut, as rear-admiral, Vy-ill not have com- 
mand of all the naval forces of the. United States. It is 
practicable for one otTicer, in a central position, to com- 
mand or direct all the land forces ; but it would hardly 
be practicable for one officer to command all the naval 
forces on the Atlantic, the Gulf, and the inland rivers 
He might, it is true, under tlie Secretary of the Navy, 
give a general direction to naval operations, but we do 
not iiuderslaud thai, his duli<!s in the future are to be of 
this character. He will slill continue to serve his country 
and glorify his flag from the deck of the " dear old Hartr 
ford."* » 



LIFE OF ADMIKAL FARKAGUT. 295 

" The deep and admiring feeling of the people was, that 
Congress and President have seldom done any thing so 
entirely pleasing to ' all hands of us ' — as one of the 
Hartford's tars would say — as the establishment of the 
rate or grade of vice-admiral, and the promotion of the 
brave Farragut to that noAV rank. 

" In Farragut the ideal sailor, the seaman of Nelson's 
and Collingv,"ood's days, is revived ; and the feeling of the 
people toward him is of the same peculiar character as 
that which those great and simple-hearted naval heroes 
of Great Britain evoked in the hearts of their country- 
men. In these days of steam-engines and iron-armor, 
the good old race of seamen threatens to die out — to be 
superseded by mechanics and engineers. For the Moni-, 
tors a blacksmith is more important, in the general opin- 
ion, than the best sailor that ever reefed top-sails or hove 
the lead ; and an engineer need not be very conceited to 
fancy himself as important to a modern frigate as her first 
lieutenant. But Farragut has shown to the naval world 
that the virtues of the old school, the qualities which dis- 
tinguished Blake, Nelson, Decatur, Preble, and Hull, 
long before steam-engines and iron-sides Avere thought of, 
ore as necessary and efiectual to-day as ever. 

" Nor is the country ill-pleased that the old spirit, 
which made our little navy famous in the war of 1812, 
asserts itself, and approves itself, in these later days, and 
among these later contrivances ; and surely to the seamen 



296 LIFE OF ADMIEAl, FAKKAGDT. 

of tlic old school it is a glorious pledge that their pro- 
fession will live, and its peculiar virtues remain valuable, 
no matter by wh.at accidents the conditions of the combat 
are changed. Daxmtless bravery and the fertility in ex- 
pedients whicli is born of the never-ceasing and ever- 
changing conditions of life on the ocean, compel victory 
now as ever. Farragut has shown the falsity of the 
belief entertained by some here, and by many abroad, 
that hereafter a sea-fight is to be only a work of ' main 
strength and stupidncss' — to use a sailor's phrase." 

The modesty with wliich the Admiral bore his honors 
was characteristic of the mac, to whom duty was a word 
more awakening to his unsclfisli ambition, than/ams. 



CHAPTER XJX. 

A Feetival— The Merchants of New York and the Vice-Admiral— The Tosti- 
monial— Correspondence — Farragut at Richmond — At Norfolk — A Nobla 
Speech— Visits other Places— Vice- Admiral Fairagut compared with Naval 
Heroes of the past— His True Greatness— A Poet's Offering. 

fECEMBER 21st, the Nevsr England Society in 
New York celebrtited the landing of the Pilgrim 
Fathers at Plymouth two hundred and forty-four 
CEtx) years before, at the Astor House. The dining- 
^ hall was richly decorated for the occasion, and 
presented a brilliant spectacle. As our Admiral was 
among the guesls, a sketch of the exciting scenes will 
have an unusual attraction. 

Upon the tables were ornamented pieces representing 
the landing on Plymouth Rock, the ship Mayflower, Miles 
Standish, a New England cottage, a Temple of Liberty, 
etc. The President of the Society, Mr. Henry A. Hurlbut, 
presided at the festive board. ^' New England, I Love 
Thee," was sung by a glee club, at the close of which 
Vice-Admiral Farragut entered the dining-room, and was 



298 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAKKAGCT. 

hailed with uine cheers from the audience, who siraul- 
taneously arose and greeted him with the wildest enthu- 
siasm. Captain Dra}'ton, who accompanied Admiral 
Farragut, was also greeted with cheers, and both gentlo- 
meu were furnished with seats at the head of the table, 
on the right of the President 

After the excitement had subsided Mr. William C. 
Bryant was called upon to respond to the fifth regular 
toast, and said : "' He wished, for his part, that all the 
poets of New England were present, to listen to the praise 
that had been bestowed on him. It was a theory with 
some historians that the history of nations had its origin 
in poetry." He compared the rude strains of the poets 
of the pilgrimage Avith the poetry of New England of the 
present day. We Avere now drifting into the purity of re- 
fined poetry. The poets of Ncav England are Avorthy of 
the high praise that is accorded to the inspiration that fills 
their verse. He rejoiced lliat he li\ed in an age Avhen 
heroism Avas coincident Avith humanity. He thanked God 
in his providence he had not destined the country to short 
dui'ation, but that He had destined it for a long duration 
of peace and victory. 

After the reading of a letter from General Grant, the 
President called upon V ice-Admiral Farragut, Avho, on 
rising, Avas greeted with the most boisterous applause. He 
said : '• Genllemen, I do not know what your expectations 
may be of Vice-Adnhral Farragut, but I have seen enough 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAEEAGUT. 299 

of Rear-Admiral Farragait to know that ho is not very 
well qualified to make such a speech as you would wish 
to listen to. I am happy to return my thanks for the hos- 
pitable reception and enthusiastic honor I have always re- 
ceived in this hall. When I saw you last, I promised to 
go abroad as soon as possible, to keep up a sympathetic 
feeling with your association in another quarter. I only 
wish I could returi^oiy thanks as the General has done 
by a letter ; but we have some odd notions in the navy ; 
and one is, that we share our shot as we do our prize- 
money, and the higher the rank the greater is the 
I'esponsibility ; and hence I suppose I am called upon. 
I can back up what the gentleman (Mr. Bryant) has said 
of the onanner in which the sons of New England, as well 
as of other States, have poured out their blood in the 
South. God knows they hlivc poured it out freely." 

As Admiral Farragut took his scat there were loud 
calls for Captain Winslow, who responded by saying that 
he could only repeat the thanks expressed by Vice- Admiral 
Farragut at the warm reception that had been extended 
to him. 

Captain Dra}'ton was then loudly called for. In re- 
sponse, he said that there was an old idea in the navy, 
that no navy officer could speak. He thought that the 
reverse had been shoAvn to-night. His great fortune lay 
in his association with Admiral Farragut, for anybody 
who came in contact with him caught a little of his spirit. 



300 LIFE OP ADMIRAL FAEKAOUT. 

On Saturday, December 31 st, the mercliant-princes 
of New York, who had for two weeks been quietly dis- 
cussing tlie form of a fitting testimonial to the victorious 
Admiral, met him at tlie official headquarters of Collector 
Draper. 

Soon after eleven o'clock the Vice-Admiral, accom- 
panied by Captain Drayton, was warmly greeted by 
many of the gentlemen whoni he had met before. Tho 
meeting was then called to order by Moses Taylor, Esq., 
chairman of the committee, v/ho said that to him had 
been delegated tlie pleasing duty of presenting to Vice- 
Admiral Farragut a testimonial from his feUow-citizens, 
and with the testimonial he desired to offer an address, 
which he would read. The address, elegantly engrossed 
on a large sheet of parchment, and signed by the com- 
mittee, was then read by Mr. Taylor. 

Having finished the address, Mr. Taylor took from 
the table a large envelope, tied with red, white, and blue 
ribbons, containing $50,000.in Govei'nmcnt bonds, and 
placed the roll of parchment and the testimonial in the 
hands of the Admiral, who responded us follows : 

" Gentlemen : 1 cannot allow this opportunity to pass 
without making some reply to what you so kindly say of 
me in making the gift, although I reserve to myself the 
privilege of rendering a more fitting acknowledgment at 
Bome future time. I will now respond to a few of the 
points in the address as I remember them. As to the 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARRAGUT. 301 

duties you speak of, that were performed by myself iu 
command of the fleet in the South and Southwest, I liave 
only to .say, as I have repeatedly said before, that they 
were done in obedience to orders from the Department 
at Washington. I have carried out the views of tlic De- 
partment in accomplishing what I promised to endeavor 
to do. In opening and protecting commerce 1 have sim- 
ply done my duty in tlic spliere to which I was called. 

" l>ut when it comes to personal matters, I can only 
say, Vv'ould th.at I had language to express tlie gratitude I 
feel for what you have done. From the moment, I may 
gay, I made the entrance to this harbor, I have been the 
recipient of honors of every description, and it would be 
impossible for me, even if I were in the habit of making 
speeches, to express what I so heartily feel. As to be- 
coming a resident of New York, nothing would be more 
grateful to my feelings. I came here, I can hardly say 
as a refugee ; but being forced out of the South, where I 
had resided more than tbily years, came naturally to 
this city, as the metropolis of the country, and made my 
resting-place on the banks of the Hudson. I have every 
reason to be grateful ; you have always extended to mo 
and my family the kindest treatment, and it woidd be 
but natural that we should feel a desire to be ^vith you. 
But, gentlemen, you know I am a public officer, and 
must go just where I am ordered. 

" Still it may be that, consistently wath my oIh 



302 LITE OF AD^.rrRAL VARRAGDT, 

ligations, I can be here ; and I will endeavor to make 
such arrangements, if it appears that at the same time I 
can perform my duty to my country." 

This response was greeted -with enthusiastic cheers. 

Mr. Simeon Draper was then called upon for a few- 
remarks. He said that he could not, by any eloquence 
of his, say or do any thing that would adequately express 
the gratitude of the nation to the gallant Admiral ; but as 
the representative of the Government, and of those there 
who had called upon him to speak for him, he wished to 
say that this testimonial was but a token of what was felt 
by the Government and by the people. 

After this interv iew, so pleasing and honoi'able to both 
the hero and tlie men who largely furnish the resources 
of national prosperity, the letter of presentation was also 
placed in the Admiral's hands, enclosed in, a tasteful 
blue morocco case, lined with white and red satin, thus 
combining the loyal colors. The handsome cover for the 
worthy testimonial was designed and gratuitously fur- 
nished by the celebrated jewellers, Ball, Black & Co. 
The correspondence connected with the gift is full of 
patriotic and elevated sentiments, and many of the names 
of the donors ai'e familiar to the entire country, and are 
associated with all that is noble in the enterprise of the 
great metropolis. 



LIFE OF ADMIKAL FARRAGUT. 303 

THE COMMITTEE TO ADMIRAL FAKRAGUT. 

"New York, December 31, 1864. 
'To Vice-Admiral David G. Farmgut, Senior Flag-Officer of ths 
United States Navy. 

" Dear Sir : It is but an act of duty on the part of 
the citizens of this commercial t?ommunity to acknowledge 
the brilliant services you have rendered to the country in 
guarding its maritime interests, protecting its commerce, 
and maintaining the honor of its flag. 

" The gallantry displayed by the fleet, which, under 
your orders, opened the Mississippi from the Delta to the 
Crescent City, deservedly won the applause of a grateful 
people ; but still later in the contest waging for the restor- 
ation of the national authority, and the possession of the 
forts and territory of the Union, your unparalleled skill 
and dauntless intrepidity in forcing the entrance of the 
Bay of Mobile and capturing its defences, thrilled the 
hearts of your countrymen and excited the admiration of 
every generous nation. 

" The deeds which illustrate alike your name and the 
naval history of the republic, have been fitly recognized 
in your promotion to a grade iiigher than has ever before 
been known in the American navy ; a rank fairly won in 
bloody conflict, justly bestowed by the Government, and 
gladly hailed by the American people. 

" The citizens of New York can offer no tribute equal 
to your claims on their gi'atitudo and affection. Their 



304 LIFE OF ADMISAL FAERAGUT. 

earnest desire is to receive you as one of their number, 
and to be permitted, as fellow-citizens, to share in the 
renown you will bring to the metropolitan city. This 
desire is felt in eomiiion by the whole community, and, 
in the hope that it may not be inconsistent with your own 
vieAvs, the grateful duty has been confided to us of placing 
in your hands the accompanying testimonial ; and we re- 
main, with the highest respect and regard, faithfully your 
friends. Moses Taylok, Chairman. 

" Samuel Sloan, Secretary. 

" John J. Cisco, Treasurer." 

reply of admikal farkagut. 

" WAsniNGTOS, Jumiary 11, 1865. 
'* To Mr. Moses Taylor, Chairman. 

" Sir : Permit me to return my thanks for the com- 
plimentary remarks made by yourself, the collector, Mr. 
Draper, and Mr. Low, of Brooklyn, as well as those con- 
tained in the resolutions of your honorable committee. 

" As to the performances of the fleet under my com- 
mand, they were by the direction of the Government, 
and arc alike attributable to the gallant officers and men 
who served under me, guided by a kind and overruling 
Providence. That Government has evinced its full ap- 
preciation of my services by my advancement to a gra.de 
heretofore not recognized in our navy. This, sir, was all 
I could desire and more than I expected. 



LITE OF ADMIRAL FARRAGUT. 305 

" But, sir, from the moment I entered the port of 
New York up to the present time I have been the re- 
cipient of honors and hospitalities, and am even now 
called on to express my grateful acknowledgments of the 
receipt of this last mark of your bountiful generosity, ac- 
companied with the kind expression of your hope that 
I will become a citizen of the metropolitan city, than 
Avhich nothing could be more consonant with my 
feelings. 

'• But, sir, I am still the servant of my country, and 
must obey its summons to the path of duty, indidging the 
hope, however, that much of my remaining life may be 
spent in the home of my refuge, whose citizens have so 
munificently guaranteed a birthright to my descendants. 

" Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

"D. G. Fajrragut, Vice- Admiral." 



"New York, January 2G, 18G5. 
" Vice-Admiral David G. Farragut, United States Wavy. 

" Dear Sir : In a former communication addressed 
to you, wc alluded to some of the gi-ounds upon which 
the loyal citizens of New York were desirous to express, 
in a fitting manner, their sense of your claims on the 
grateful recognition of the country, for gallant services 
rendered at a period of imminent national peril. 

'• Of the fund provided for the declared purpose of 
rendering you a tribute of respect and gratitude, the sum 
20 



306 LIFE OF ADMIEAL PAEKAGUT. 

of fifty-oae thousand ono Imndrcd and thirty dollars was 
appropriated to the purchase of fifty bonds, issued by the 
National Government, of the value of one thousand dollars 
each, with accrued interest ; and we have noAV the pleas- 
ure to place in your hands a check for the surplus remain- 
ing from the subscription. 

" In closing this duty, one of the most grateful we 
have ever been called on to pei'form, we offer you the as- 
surance of our earnest hope that you may long be spared 
to shed lustre on the Navy, and to enjoy the retrospect 
of a life of usefulness and honor devoted to the service of 
your country. 

" With sincere regard we remain faithfully yours, 
" Moses Taylor, Chairman. 

" Sajiuel vSloan, Secretary. 

" John J. Cisco, Treasurer." 

Early in tlie nev/ year the vice-admiral proceeded to 
his ho]ne on the Hudson, accompanied by Mrs. Farragut. 
The citizens had met to prepare for them an appropriate 
reception, General Bowen presiding, and passed the an- 
nexed resolutions : 

Resohccl, Tliat we, tlie inhabitants of Hastings, in common 
v.'ith our countrymen everywhere, entertain a grateful ad- 
miration of the noble character, matchless deeds, and heroic 
patriotism of Vice- Admiral D. G. Farragut, during a long and 
brilliant career in the service of his country, and especially 
throughout all the present rebellion; and that his acliieve- 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAERAGUT. 30Y 

ments eutitio his name to stand proudly among tlie most 
illnstrioiis naval heroes that have added histre to any country 
or any age. 

JiesolvcJ, That we hail the return of Admiral Farragut 
from the scones of his perilous and victorious achievements 
to the \allage of his residence, with the highest gratification, 
and with thanks to Almighty God for liaving preserved his 
valuable life amid the dangers and trials to which, with equal 
hravery and devotion, he has exposed it. 

Ecsohed, That a committee of citizens be appointed to 
tender to Admiral Farragut, on behalf of the inhabitants of 
Hastings, a cordial welcome. 

Mr. Mills, from a committee consisting of himself, 
JVIr. Thomas, and Mr. Prote, reported as to the manner 
in which the reception shoidd be conducted ; and their 
report was unanimously adopted. 

The consistory of the Reformed Dutch Clravca, hav- 
ing tendered that edifice for the reception of Admiral Far- 
ragut, the offer was gladly accepted by the meeting, and 
the arrangements directed to be made accordingly. 

Aii announcement having been made that Admiral and 
Mrs. Farragut might be expected at Hastings at four 
o'clock on Saturday, it was ordered that the I'eception 
take place at that hour, and that General Bov/en, Mr. 
Chrystic, Mr. Crossv/ell, and Mr. Mills, act as a com- 
mittee of reception. 

In accordance with the proceedings, all the arrange- 
ments for the reception of Vice-Admiral Farragut at Haa- 
tiugs-upon-Hudson, were fully carried out. 



308 LITE OF ADMERAL FAERAGUT. 

In Union Square, adjacent to the railroad station, 
surmounting a triumphal arch, decorated with evergreens 
and flags, and from which floated a large national flag, 
was the inscription, " Welcome to Admiral Farragut." 
From the second arch, at the intersection of VaUey and 
Constant Streets, extending from the Post Office across 
Constant Street, in prominent letters, Avere the Avords, 
" New Orleans," " Mobile," with their accessories in less 
prominent capitals, " St. Phillip," " Jackson," " Gaines," 
^' Morgan." At the entrance to the residence of an artist 
citizen, fronting the approach from Valley Street, was 
the inscription, " Honor to the Brave," over the initial 
letter " F," in an evergreen chaplet. And at the clmrch, 
in front of the vestibule, was another arch or canopy of 
evergTcens, roses, and flags, a large national flag waving 
proudly over all. 

On Saturday afternoon, soon after four o'clock. Admi- 
ral and Mrs. Farragut stepped from the express train, 
amidst the enthusiastic cheers of a very lai'ge concourse of 
residents of the place and surrounding country, who, not- 
withstanding the depth of snow which had fallen all the 
day, had assembled to greet the arrival of their honoi*ed 
chief. After brief congratulations, the Admiral was con- 
ducted to a sleigh, and Mrs. Fari-agut to another, the 
former accompanied by two gentlemen of the committee, 
and the latter by a lady friend and Mr. Cluystie, of the 
committee. 



LITE OF ADlVnRAL FAEEAGUT. 309 

A processiou was promptly formed — a long and joy- 
ous line, in sleighs- and on foot — which, starting from the 
square, moved to the Reformed Dutch Church. The 
Admiral entered the church, the band striking up, 
" See, the Conquering Hero Comes," when he was con- 
ducted by gentlemen of the committee to the open 
space in front of the pulpit, over which was an ever- 
green inscription, " May God bless and preserve you." 
Every part of the interior was decorated with flags and 
other appropriate emblems, and an American flag over- 
hung the entire front end. 

After a brief pause Mr. Mills, of the committee, stated 
to the audience, that General Bo wen had been expected 
to make the opening address ; but as that gentleman was 
unable to be present, he had been requested by the com- 
mittee to read an address of welcome. Mr. Mills, turn- 
ing to Admiral Farragut, proceeded as follows : 

" Admiral Farragut : The residents of Hastings, 
one and all, are most hapjiy to have this opportunity 
to welcome your return to their village. And they do this 
with heartfelt cordiality. The emblems around you in 
this sacred edifice are proofs of this feeling, and with 
their glorious associations, must recall scenes and enkin- 
dle emotions dear to every patriotic heart. Be assured, 
dear sir, that this is the sentiment of this entire assem- 
blage, and that its application to you springs not only 
from admiration of heroic achievements which have shed 



310 . LITE OF ADMIRAL FAREAGUT. 

imperlsliabic glory on your country, but from the rcspoct 
and esteem they entertain for a much loved and honoi'ed 
to■^^Tlsman. Permit mc to add, in their behalf, that the 
longer the paramount claims of a service to Vvliieli you 
have given unequalled victory and renown shall allow 
you to remain with us, tlic greater will be their gratifi- 
cation." 

To wliich the Admiral responded as follows : 
" My Friexds and Fellov," Citizens : It gives me 
great pleasure to meet you all once more at your happy 
homes. I shall not attempt an elaborate response to your 
kind greetings and generou3_wordg. But let me, at least, 
assure you that the warmth of feeling so liberally mani- 
fested in these demonstrations of regard and good will, and 
by this large assemblage in this sacred place, have excited 
all the sensibilities of my nature, and arc gratefully re- 
turned wdth the same heartfelt cordiality with -which they 
have been extended to me. When, nearly four years ago, 
I came to this village, unknown and without means, a 
voluntary refugee from my country because I could not 
participate in measures hostile to the dictates of all loyal 
duty and to all the associations of my life, I was received 
with open arms and with a warmth of friendship and 
a sympathy of patriotic and social intercourse that have 
ripened into attachments and associations wliich can never 
be effaced, wherever I may be, or wliatever may be my 
future lot. Here, also, when absent on distant duty in a 



Ln'E OF AD:snKAL FAERAGUT, 311 

service dear to my heart, my family have found a quiet 
and agreeable retreat, where the hand of friendship and 
the kindest attentions were ever extended to me. These 
thoughts recall emotions for Avhich my good friends 
need no apology. [It was diilicult for the speaker at 
this moment to restrain his emotion.] If it be said that 
Hastings, as a village name, is unknown to history or to 
fame, it may not be forgotten that here a Garibaldi found 
a retreat when an exile from his much loved Italy, and 
that happy has been a Farragut to hail from it under 
circumstances not altogether dissimilar. That here, also, 
a Penuock, the companion and friend of Farragut, found 
a resting place, until enabled by moijt valuable service to 
signalize his devotion to the old flag. Go to the western 
waters and you will find the Hastings gunboat, one of 
the most efleclive of her class, and proudly doing her duty, 
named by Captain Pennock, in grateful recollection of 
hospitalities enjoyed here. IMy friends, allow me to 
repeat my thanks for this most cordial vv'elcome, and to 
express the hope that our next assemblage may be a joyful 
celebration of the restoration of peace." 

The conclusion was received with uncontrollable dem- 
onstrations of feeling, aod by inspiring music from the 
band. The Admiral, then, standing before the pulpit, 
was taken by the hand by eveiy person present — ladies 
and gentlemen, and the happy boys and children — each 
one passing up one aisle and down the other, two 



312 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FABRAGUT. 

ladies having presented him beautiful bouquets at his 
entrance. 

When this ceremony was concluded, with many pleas- 
ing incidents, the Admiral and Mrs. Farragut Avere con- 
ducted to their residence, over the entrance to which their 
fair neighbors had aflixed, in evergi'een letters, " Virginia 
L. Farragut." 

" The depth of the snow, while it did not seem to lessen 
the largeness of the attendance, lent enthusiasm to the 
scene ; and the picturesque appearance of the trees and 
all objects clothed in a dazzling mantle of white, gave 
additional zest to a scene that will be long and gratefully 
remembered by the inhabitants of Hastings-upon-Hudson. 
They will dwell now and in after times upon the coming 
of Admiral and Mrs. Farragut as among theii- most cher- 
ished New Year's gifts." 

In "Carleton's" visit to the rebel capital, there is 
another glimpse of the brave Admiral, and also of our 
beloved and lamented President : 

" The Capitol Square was full of furniture, beds, bed- 
ding, barrels, baskets, pots, kettles, pianos, sofas, looking- 
glasses, crockery, and lumdreds of women and children 
who had passed the night in the open air, among the sol- 
diers of Gen. Devens' division, wlio cheerfully shared 
with them their rations. 

" The Capitol, outside and in, like the Confederacy, is 
exceedingly dilapidated. The windows are broken, the 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARRAGUT. 313 

carpets faded, the paint dingy, the desks rickety. The 
nieinbcrs of the Legislature had left their letters and 
papers behind. Gen. Weitzel was in the Senate Chamber 
issuing his orders. Gen. Shepley, Military Governor, was 
also there; also Gen. Devens, The door opened, and a 
smooth-faced man, with a keen eye, firm, quick, resolute 
step, entered. He wore a plain blue blouse, with three 
stars on the collar. It was the old hero Avho opened the 
Avay to New Orleans, and who fought the battle of the 
Mobile forts from the mast-head of his vessel — Admiral 
Farragut. He was accompanied by Gen. Gordon of 
Massachusetts, now commanding the Department of Nor- 
folk. They heard the news yesterday noon and made all 
haste up the James, landing at Varina and taking horses 
to the city. It was a pleasure to take the brave Admiral's 
hand, and answer his eager questions as to Avhat Grant 
had done. Being latest of all present from St. Peters- 
burg I could give him the doi^ircd infoi'mation. ' Thank 
God, it is about over,' said he, meaning the rebellion. 

" I was standing upon the bank of the river, viewing 
the scene of desolation, when a boat, pulled by twelve 
sailors, came up stream. It contained President Lincoln 
and liis sou, Admiral Porter, Capt. Penrose of the army, 
Capt. A. II. Adams of the navy, Lieut. W. W. Clemens 
of the signal corps. Somehow the negroes on the bank 
of the river ascertained that the tall man Avearing a black 
hat was President Lincoln. There was a sudden shout. 



314 LIFE OF ADMIKAL FAKKAGUT. 

An officer who had just picked up fifty negroes to do work 
on the do(^k, found himself alone. They left -work and 
crowded round the President. As he approached I said 
to a colored woman : 

" ' There is the man who made you free.' 

" ' What, massa?' 

" ' That is President Lincoln.' 

" ' Dat President Linkum ? ' 

" ' Yes.' 

" She gazed at him a moment, clapped her hands and 
jumped straight up and down, shouting ' Glory, glory, 
glory ! ' till her voice was lost in the universal cheer. 

" There was no carriage near, so the President, leading 
his son, walked tliroe-quartcrs of a mile up to General 
Weitzel's headquarters — Jeff. Davis's mansion. What 
a spectacle it was ! Such a hurly-burly — such wild in- 
describable ecstatic joy I never witnessed. A colored 
man acted as guide. Six sailors, wearing their round 
blue caps and short jackets, and bagging pants, with 
navy carbines, w^ere the advance guard. Then came the 
President and Admiral Porter, flanked by the officers 
accompanying him and the correspondent of The Journal^ 
then six more sailors with carbines — twenty of us all 
told — amid a surging mass of men, v^omen, and children, 
black, white, and yellow, running, shouting, dancing, 
swinging their caps, bonnets, and handkerchiefs. The 
soldiers saw him and swelled the crowd, cheering in wild 



LITE OF ADMIRAL FARKAGUT. 315 

enthusiasm. All could see him, he was so tall — so con- 
spicuoLi?. 

" One colored woman, standing in a doorway, as the 
President passed along the sidewalk, shouted : ' Thank 
you, dear Jesus, for this ! thank you, Jesus ! ' Another 
standing by her side Avas clapping her hands and shout- 
ing : ' Bless de Lord ! ' 

" A colored woman snatched her bonnet from her 
head, whirled it in the air, screaming with all her might, 
' Giod ble.-s yon, Massa Linkum ! ' A few Avhite women 
looking out irom the houses v/aved their handkerchiefs. 
One lady in a large and elegant building looked awhile, 
and then turned av/ay her head as if it was a disgusting 

Siglit. 

" President Lincoln "svalkcd in silence, acknowledging 
the salutes of officers and soldiers, and of the citizens, 
black and white ! It was the man of the people among 
the people. It was the great deliverer meeting the 
delivered. Yesterday morning the majority of the tliou- 
sands vrho crowded the streets and hindered our advance 
were slaves. Now they were free, and beholding him 
who had given them their liberty. General Shepley met 
the President in the street, and escorted him to General 
Weitzel's quarters. Major Stevens hearing that the Pres- 
ident was on his way, suddenly summoned a detachment 
of the Massachusetts 4th cavalry, and cleared the way. 

" After a tedious walk, the mansion of JeflP. Davis 



316 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAEKAGUT, 

was reached. The imaiense crowd swept round the cor- 
ner of the street and packed the space in front. General 
Weitzel received the President at the door. Cheer upon 
cheer went up from the excited muhitude, two-thirds of 
whom were colored. Tlie officers who had assembled 
were presented to the President in the reception-room 
of the mansion. Judge Campbell, once on the supreme 
bench of the United States, who became a traitor, came 
in and had a brief private interview with the President in 
the di'awing-room. Other citizens called — those who have 
been for the Union all through the war. 

" The President then took a ride through the city, ac- 
companied by Admiral Porter, Generals Shepley, Weitzel, 
and other officers. Such is the simple narrative of this 
momentous event, but no written page or illuminated can- 
vas can give the reality of the event — the enthusiastic 
bearing of the people — the blacks and poor whites who 
have suffered untold horrors during the war, their demon- 
gtrations of pleasure, the shouting, dancing, the thanks- 
givings to God, the mention of the name of Jesus — as if 
President Lincoln were next to the Son of God in their i 
affections — the jubilant cries, the countenances beaming 
with unspeakable joy, the tossing up of caps, the swing- 
ing of arms of a motley crowd — some in rags, some bai*e- 
foot, some wearing pants of Union blue, and coats of 
Confederate gray, ragamuffins in dress through the hard- 
ships of war, but yet of stately bearing ; men in heart and 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAEKAGUT. 317 

soul — free men henceforth and forever, their bonds cut 
asunder in an hour ; men from whose limbs the chains 
fell yesterday morning, men -who through many weary 
years have prayed for dehverance, who have asked 
sometimes if God were dead ; who, when their children 
were taken from them and sent to the swamps of South 
Carolina and the canebrakes of Louisiana, cried to God 
for help and cried in vain, who told their sorrows to 
Jesus and asked for help, but who had no helper ; men 
who have been whipped, scourged, robbed, imprisoned 
for no crime. All of these things must be kept in i-e- 
membi-ance if avc would have the picture complete. 

" No wonder that President Llucolu, who has a child's 
heart, felt his soul stirred ; that the tears almost came to 
his eyes as he heard the thanksgivings to God and Jesus, 
and the blessings uttered for him from thankful hearts. 
They were true, earnest, and heartfelt expressions of 
gi-atitude to God. There arc thousands of men in Rich- 
mond to-night who would lay down their lives for Presi- 
dent Lincoln — their great deliverer — their best friend on 
earth. He came among them unheralded, without pomp 
or parade. He walked through the streets as if he were 
only a private citizen, and not the head of a mighty nation. 
Ha came not as a conqueror — not with bitterness in his 
heart, but with kindness. He came as a friend to alle- 
viate sorrow and sufi'ering, to rebuild what has been 
destroyed." 



318 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARKAGUT. 

A few days later Farragut proceeded to Norfolk, 
Virginia, rcvisitiug ouce more his former home and post 
of official duty for many years. An amusing incident 
marked his arrival. 

The Admiral had come ashore from the Louisiana, 
the regular Baltimore boat, to give some instructions to 
the express man with regard to his baggage, and was re- 
turning aboard of her to join his wife and children who 
were still on the boat, when upon reaching the gangway 
plank he was informed by a guard stationed there that 
he could not return. "Are those your orders?" interro- 
gated the Admiral. " Yes, sir," replied the soldier, " and 
I cannot disobey them." "Very well, then," returned 
the Admu'al, " I can wait here until my family and bag- 
gage come ashore." 

At this stage of affairs one of the clerks in the ti-aus- 
portation office at the dock, who recognized the distin- 
guished sailor, went up to the guard, and privately told 
him who it was he had refused to pass on board. " Can't 
help it," replied the stubborn sentry, " he cannot go on 
boaixl unless you v.ill ^ouch for hiin ! " And accordingly, 
after obtaining the proper vouchers from the clerk, the 
highest naval officer knov/n in the fiervice of the United 
States, the liero of New Orleans and of Mobile Bay, 
was permiUed by the sentry to return on board the boat 1 
The affair created no little amusement for the bystanders 
in the vicinity. 



LITE OF ADMIEAL FAERAGUT. 319 

The Admiral got asliore, howevci*, and was hailed 
with enthusiasm by every loyal heart. In a public 
mcetini,^ of welcome, he made the subjoined patriotic 
address : 

"Ml'. Chairman, Gentlemen of tlie Uiuon League, Fdlow-GUizens, atui 

my hrotlier Officers of the Army and Navy ; 

*' I thank you for the kind remarks which you have 
been pleased to make, and I wish that I had the language 
to express myself as I have heard others very near me 
four years ago, in this place, when we had our best 
speakers standing forth for the Union, and striving with 
all their rhetoric to persuade the people to desist from 
their unholy resolution, and cast their votes for the 
Union. This meeting recalls to me the most momentous 
event of my life, when I listened in this place till the 
small hours of the morning, and returned home with the 
feeling that Virginia was safe and firm in her place in the 
Union. 

" Our Union members to tiie Convention were elected 
by an overwhelming majority, and sent to Richmond, and 
we believed that every thing was right. Judge, then, my 
friends, of our astonishment in finding, a few days later, 
that the Slate had been voted out by a miserable minority, 
for the want of firmness and resolution on the part of 
those whom we trusted to represent us there, and that 
Virginia had been dragooned out of the Union. What 
was the reason for this act ? The President's call for 



320 LIFE OF ADMIEAL FAERAGUT. 

seventy-five thousand men? Why, our arsenals, navy 
yards, money in the mint at New Orleans, had been 
seized, and Sumter bombarded. 

" "Was it then remarkable that the Government of the 
United States should call for troops to sustain itself? 
Would Jackson have submitted to this ? No, for I recol- 
lect that I myself had the honor to be sent to South Caro- 
lina to support his mandate that the Union must and 
should be preserved. I was told by a brother officer that 
the State had seceded, and that I must either resign and 
turn traitor to the Government which had supported me 
from my childhood, or I must leave this place. Thank 
God ! I was not long in making my decision. I have 
spent half of my life in revolutionary countries, and I 
know the liorrors of civil war, and I told the people what 
I had seen, and what they would experience. They 
laughed at me, and called me 'granny' and 'croaker;' 
and I said, ' I cannot live here, and I Avill seek some 
other place where I can live, and on two hours' notice ; ' 
and I suppose the conspirators said I left my country for 
my country's good, and thank God I did. I went from 
liere with the few valuables I could hastily collect. I 
was unwilling to believe that this difficulty would not 
have been settled, but it was all in vain, and, as every 
man must do in a revolution as he puts his foot down, so 
it marks his life ; so it has pleased God to protect me 
thus far, and make me somewhat instrumental in dealing 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAEKAGUT. 321 

heavy blows at the rebellion. I have been nothing more 
than an instrument in the hands of God, well supported 
by my officers and men, who have done their duty faith- 
fully. I hope, my friends, that this day, with its events, 
may prove the culminating point of our revolution, and I 
hope that before long all will bo restored to that peace 
and reunion which has been sought by the Government 
and desired by everybody ; and then you, gentlemen, 
who have deserved so well of your country by your 
steady adherence to its Government, -vviU receive the re- 
ward which fidelity, and honesty, and moral courage 
always deserve." 

We find in the Ann)/ and Naval Journal a very com- 
prehensive and interesting glance at the great naval heroes 
of the past, down to our own : 

" ' To Farragufc be endless praise, the hero, sailor, man, 
The boldest sailor trod a deck since history began ! ' 

" "Without exaggeration, flattery, or natural conceit, 
it may be calmly stated, with a consciousness that dis- 
proof is impossible, that Admiral Farragut's achievements 
are peerless and unexampled. 

" Military and naval history proper cannot, justly, be 
carried back much beyond the commencement of the 
seventeenth centiuy. A few instances worthy of citation 
in this day of powder-development did occur previous 
thereto, but, as a rule, fighting, prior to the mobilization 
21 



322 LIFE OF ADMIR^VL FAREAGUT. 

and general introduction of portable artillery, was pretty 
mucli an exhibition of barbarous passions and instincts, 
varied with occasional flashes of genius. 

1. " The first notable instance on record of a cannon- 
armed fleet attempting to force a channel lined with forti- 
fications and modern artillery, and relieve a besieged 
place, was that of Louis de Boisot, Admiral of Zealand. 
This prodigy of hazardous valor was Undertaken 25th 
May, 1576, in order to pass the gauntlet of Spanish bat- 
teries, hulks, chains, piles, and submerged bulwarks of 
timber and ballast, in the hope of rescuing Zierikzee, 
hard pressed by the Spaniards. Tlie intricacy of the 
channel, the force of the tide, the shallowness of the 
harbor, and various artificial impediments rendered this 
audacious marine enterprise very similar to the compara- 
tively recent desperate but fatal undertaking of the Eng- 
lish fleet at the rnouth of the Peilio. Boisot, on his flag- 
ship, the Red Lion, performed miracles of seamanship 
and bravery, but failed, and perished, leaving behind him 
the reputation of having been ' one of the most enterpris- 
ing of the early champions of Netherland freedom — one 
of the bravest precursors of that race of heroes, the com- 
manders of the Holland navy.' 

2. " The Dutch and English expedition in June, 1506, 
against Cadiz, had a brilliant beginning, and if John of 
Duivenvoorde, Lord of Warmond, the Holland Admiral, 
bad been listened to, would have ended as gloriously as it 



LIFE OF ADIHEAL FAERAGUT. 82S 

began. The Engli?h Admiral, Lord Howard, of Effing- 
ham, showed an utter lack of perseverance in this case, 
although he had been persevering enough before in com- 
bating the invincible armad<a. Essex, who displayed 
great gallantry, agreed with Duivenvoorde, but their 
resolutions, counsels, and designs were overruled. The 
defences of the port were carried, the Spanish fleet de- 
stroj-ed, the city captured and pillaged, and the great 
object of the expedition, the destruction of the prepara- 
tions and revenues of Philip III. for the next campaign, 
was accomplished. Nevertheless, more might have been 
done, and leaving any thing undone which could have 
been achieved, rendered the whole a comparative failure 
and a source of great discontent to the Dutch, who, had 
they been permitted to carry out their own plans, would, 
have made this exploit a magnificent and complete suc- 
cess. 

3. " The next in oi'der is Peter Van der Does' cap- 
ture of Allagona, in the Great Canary, on tlie 26th June, 
1599. He entered the port, silenced the Spanish forts 
and batteries, burned or captured the enemy's war-shipSj . 
threw himself at the head of his mariners into the sea, , 
waist deep, landed, and carried the citadel, fortifications,, 
and town, sword in hand. T1)C fate of the Admiral of 
Holland is remarkable. A very obese man, he died of 
the melting of his fat, in consequence of the heat, at the 
island of St. Thomas, under the Equator, after his cap- 



324 LIFE OF AMHEAL FAEEAQUT. 

turing the capital La Cidade or Pavoassan. His sailors, 
in order to preserve bis remains from desecration after 
they I'etirecl, buried him like Alaric, and to conceal the place 
of his sepulture, piled the ruins of the town upon his grave. 
" His strange mausoleum v.-as thus preserved from the 
profanation usual to the burial places of departed heroes, 
and to him can justly be applied the lines of the poet : 

' But thou, leader of the free ! 
That general doom awaits not thee ! 
Thou, where no step may e'er mtrudc. 
Shall rest in regal solitude.' 

4. " The fourth glorious example in our series is the 
total destruction of the Spanish fleet lying under the guns 
of the fortress and batteries of Gibraltar, on tlie 25th of 
April, 1607, by James Van Heemskerck, Admiral of Hol- 
land. This great seaman had accompanied the famous 
Barentz, who first penetrated and wintered within the ex- 
treme Arctic Circle. Out of four thousand combatants 
the Spaniards lost two thousand. Not one of their mag- 
ni'ficent ships escaped. Heemskerck fell, as it were, in 
the arms of victory, exclaiming, ' Repair the loss of your 
captain by the defeat of the enemy ! ' This glorious vic- 
toiy assured the independence of the Protestant Nether- 
lands. 

5. " The fifth instance is the Dutch Admiral Jacques 
L'Hermitc, who, in 1G25, with fourteen ships, in the 
night, forced his way into the port of Lima, Callao, de- 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAEKAGUT. 325 

jspite the two strong forts, mounting one hundi'ed and 
thii'ty cannon, wliicli defended the entrance, besides other 
batteries, and annihilated a magnificent Spanish fleet. 
Infuriated at not getting possession of the treasure on 
board of one galleon which was laden, among other 
riches, with 2,000,000 pieces of eight, $2,250,000, which 
escaped seizure, he steered north, took, plundered, and 
burned Guyaquil, and then returned to Callao. A second 
time he burst into the harbor and took or burned a large 
fleet, among them the very ship Avith the $2,250,000 
which he had not been able to bring off the first time. 
This, says the English Chronicle, ' is a lesson of instruc- 
tion to all admirals and sea officers, how far perseverance, 
seconded by duty, may prevail over the best prepared 
enemy in the world.' L'llermite, like the three pi'eced- 
ing admirals, perished without aflTording to his willing 
country the desired opportunity of ovcrwheliwing her 
hero witli rewards and honors. He died at sea, and was 
buried in a little island of the Pacific, now apparently 
unknown, styled in the narrative of that era the Isle de 
Lima. 

G, ''On, the 8th and 9th November, 1658, Jacob 
Baron \an Wassenaar, Lord of Obdam, Lieutenant-Ad- 
miral-General, transferred, like the great English Admiral 
Blake, from the land to the sea service, and strange to 
say, exactly like Blake, pi'omoted from a colonelcy of 
cavaLry to the commander-in-chief of the Holland navy. 



826 LIFJi OF ADMIRAL FAKEACUT. 

forced the sound, despite the fortifications on cither side 
filled with veteran troops aud mounted, even as we un- 
derstand the term, with very heavy cannon, and, in the 
Dutch battle of the Baltic, defeated the .Swedish Lord 
High Admiral Wrangcl, and relieved Copenhagen in the 
last extremity. This is a far more glorious achievement 
than the English hattle of the Baltic, sung by Campbell 
in his magnificent ode, echoed and reechoed by the huz- 
zahs of the British people. A martyr to the gout, Obdam 
directed the Cglit from liis arm-chair, placed at the foot 
of the mainmast of the flag-ship of the United States of 
that era, the Union, and amid the torturing fires of dis- 
ease, and the flames which partially enveloped his vessel — 
subsequently destined actually to prove his funei'al pyre — 
and the danger of sinking, as she had five or six feet of 
water in her hold, calmly distributed orders, aud set an 
example which insured a glorious triumph. Obdam 
perished in the explosion of his flag-ship — the same vessel 
ho mounted in 1G58 at the battle of Lowestolfe in 1665 — 
fighting heroically to the last. 

7. '' The sixth instance . is lluyter's ascent of the 
Thames, 07i the day fixed ^ 4th June, 1667. Forts, fortifi- 
cations, ships, chains, booms, every defence and impedi- 
ment which could be devised at that time, he silenced, 
sunk, or burned, burst, and defied. The terrified English 
looked on and saw in their own chief river, within hear- 
ing of their capital, the portly Dutchman, perfectly at 



LIFE OF ADMIKAL FAKKAGUT. 327 

home, taking his daily exercise in promenading the 
quartcr-deck, quietly riding to her anchor as in a home 
port, drinking his beer and enjoying his ordinary amuse- 
mcut, feeding his chickens, of which he was very fond, 
and always had a number on board. This Lieuteuaut- 
Admiral-General of Holland, the Neptunian Mars or the 
Pope of the Ocean, like all his predecessors, like Ti-omp, 
the ' grandsire,' himself the 'Father' of Dutch bailors, 
fell in battle (off Syracuse, against the Protestant Du 
Quesne, the greatest Admiral France ever had), and died 
on board his flag-ship. 

" Ruytcr's ascent of the Thames, two hundred ycai'S 
ago, is, perhaps, the nearest approach to Farragut's 
ascent of the Mississippi, of any naval achievement on 
record. But the dangers encountered in the two in- 
stances were not to be compared. 

8. " The relief of Londonderry in July, 1689, was a 
regular Farragut operation on a small scale. It was 
bravely conceived and gallantly executed. It is only 
mentioned as a parallel ease as far as regai'da the resolu- 
tion and perseverance displayed. 

9. " The dectruction of Tourville's fleet at La Ilogue, 
22d and 23d of May, 1G92, was a glorious cxlDloit of the 
combined English and Dutch navies under Russel and 
Van Allemonde. Any one who reads the ac^count in 
^lacaulay, must be dull, indeed, if his heart does not 
thrill at the magnificent description of the masterly man- 



328 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARRAGUT. 

ner in which the allied seamen did their work. Still, tho 
resistance offered by the French navy and army was no 
more to be compared with that encountered by Obdam, 
Ruyter, Nelson, and others mentioned in this article, than 
the defence of Fort Gaines, at Mobile, can be com^Dared 
Avith that of Forts Jackson and Philiji, on the Mississippi. 

10. "Admiral Sir Peter Parker's failui'e at Charles- 
ton, S. C, 28th Jmie, 1776, and his sei'ious I'epulse and 
defeat by the ilre of Fort Moultrie, should put a stopper 
on the English in comparing their admirals with our 
fighting commodores, much more with our fii'st Vice- 
Admiral. The English chronicles acknowledge that they 
were repulsed with great loss. Nor did tlie fleet fare any 
better attempting to force the passage of the Delaware, at 
Red Bank, or Mudfort, or Manto Creek, as the action is 
variously styled, 23d October, 1777. In those cases all 
the advantages would seem to have been on the side of 
the British navy. Nevertheless, they Avere treated so 
badly, that they were glad to haul off and abandon their 
attempt. 

11. " Admiral Nelson's victory of Aboukir or battle 
of the Nile, Ifit August, 1798, and passage of the sound, 
humiliation of Denmark, and capture of the Danish fleet, 
28th March — 2d April, 1801, are far inferior achieve- 
ments to those of the Dutch, already recorded, and not to 
be compared in audacity and genius to the exploits of our 
Vice-Admiral Farrajrut at New Orleans and IMobile. 



LIFE OF ADMERAL FAREAGDT. 32& 

The second Britisli expedition against Copenhagen and 
capture of the Danish fleet by Admiral Gambier and 
General Lord Cathcart, 7th September, 180G, is a still less 
remarkable naval enterprise, 

" Duckworth's passage of the Dardanelles, 19tli Febru- 
ary, 1806, and destruction of five Turkish ships-of-war, 
was child's play to the other exploits cited ; likewise British 
Exmouth and Dutch Vander Capellen's bombardment of 
Algiers, 27th August, 181G. 

" Of all the great admirals who have flourished, 
there is only one, as a man, a comparison to whom 
would be just to our Farragut. That one was the Dutch 
Ruytcr. Nelson failed or fell short in many particulars. 
Among other things, his subservience to the interests and 
views of the Court of Naples, his connection Avith Lady 
Hamilton, the judicial murder of the gallant Carraccioli, 
are serious blots upon his character. Ruyter, on the- 
other hand, was a Christian republican and born gentle- 
man. Sprung from the lowest rank in life, he never for- 
got or despised his extraction ; and having risen to the 
highest honors and grade in his countiy's navy, and won 
the love and respect of his countrymen, of all Europe, and 
even of the haughtiest monarchs, he desired neither titles, 
honors, nor appanages ; content to be what he was, the 
most respected, simple citizen of a republic, the United 
States of Ibrmer da}s, and the greatest of sea captains. 
He lived a model of Christian simplicity ; he died an 



330 LIFE OF ADillKAL FARKAGUT. 

example of Christian resignation. No aristocratic or 
mundane idea of "Westminster Abbey as a burial place, 
troubled his death scene. He trusted his weather-beaten 
battle-torn body to his counti-y's love and gratitude, his 
soul to his Maker's mercy, and during his lingering 
agony, lie thought of nothing but his duty and a prepara- 
tion for anotlier and to him a better Avorld." 

Nothing is gained by " apotheosizing " a successful 
commander, while a happy influence only can be exerted 
over the youthful mind by a just estimate and delineation 
of an honorable career. And we have yet to hear of a stain 
upon our Admiral's character. Gifted, manly, temperate, 
brave, and Christian, he can be presented to American 
youth as a worthy and safe example of desei-ved success 
in life. It is a useful study for young officers. Tlie 
tendency of a long life at sea is to a pedantry which scorns 
new devices, and cannot easily fit itself to " modern im- 
pi'ovemcnts ;" but Farragut, Avho served bravely as mid- 
shipman half a century ago, in the most desperate sea- 
fight in our own or almost any naval annals, shows a 
mind, after so many years, as flexible, as unprejudiced, 
as little bound to old ideas, and as ready and able to use, 
and to use brilliantly, the improvements of science, as the 
youngest man in the navy. 

" It has passed into a proverb, that no man is a hero 
to those who are most familiar with him. This, like all 
other rules, however, has wonderful exceptions. One of 



LIFE OF ADMIEAL FAEEAGUT. 331 

these is Vice-Admii-al Farragut. To know him in private 
life is to recognize the reality of Tennyson's lines descrip- 
tive of Wellington. In that case the eulogy was a sketch 
of the poet's imagination ; in this, Farragut's, it is nothing 
more than sober truth : 

' Kcndor thanks to the Giver, 
England, for thy son. 

Foremost captain of his time, 
•Eich, in saving common sense, 
And, as the greatest only are, 
In his smplicity sublime. 

0, voice from whicli their omens all men drew, 

0, iron nerve to true occasion true, 

0, ■■■ * tower of strength 

Which vstood four-square to all the winds that blew! ' 

" After an hour's interview, any one who converses with 
this, our first Vicc-Adniiral, must,vinderstand why he was 
invariably successful. His rule is undivided command and 
responsibility, careful preparation and vigorous execution. 
It is the peculiarity of his mind to extract that which is 
really useful from the mass of counsel offered, estimating, 
as he should, that a commander-in-chief ought always to 
surround himself by the best talent his command will 
afford. 

'' In this way, one has the opportunity of hearing the 
suggestions of a number of men, each possessing one 



332 LIFE OF AD:wrRAL FARRAGUT. 

01" more particular gifts, and, of himself, digesting the 
•whole, or selecting that opinion ^Yllicll appears the 
wisest. 

" His coimtrymen love and admire him for liis bravery. 
That is the quality most always conspicuously in the public 
eye ; to the people, a hero is a hero because of his bravery. 
But every great commander has been much more than 
brave ; and while, in the naval service, fearless determi- 
nation is even more necessary in a commander than in 
the land service, our Vice-Admiral combines with this one 
shining quality, many more. If he has the dash of a boy 
of twenty, he has the caution of a man of a hundred and 
twenty. He prepares as carefully as he acts vigorously. 
In the capture of Mobile Bay, or in the passage of the 
Mississippi forts, the thoroughness and the peculiarity of 
his preparations were as remarkable and as important as 
the irresistible onset in which he led the ^vay, 

" And in his plans the same element of unexpectedness, 
of novelty, appears, which made Nelson a gi'eat com- 
mander, and which gained him his most brilliant victoiy 
— that of the Xilc. Farragut penetrates the enemy's 
plans, and evades them. He does precisely what the 
enemy docs not believe any one can do. In almost e\ery 
position, however skilfully defended, there is a weak 
point ; commonly it is a point which he who holds the 
post would not attempt were he leading the attack. ' No 
man can go there,' says the defender ; but the man of 



LIFE OF ADiimAL FARKAGUT. 333 

genius will go nowhere else. Thus, in passing the Mo- 
bile forts, wc have been told that Farragut ordered the 
ships to hug the forts, in order to avoid the line of torpe- 
does, which, as he correctly judged, was laid so as to 
intercept and blow up a fleet paaeing anywhere except 
directly under the guns of the fort. " Farragut will not 
dare expose his ships to so close a fire," Page said to him- 
self; but he did not know his antagonist. 

Simple, straightforward, brave as a lion ; as careful 
of the lives of his men as he is careless of his own ; fertile 
in expedients, and animated by the purest patriotism, the 
figure of our Vice-Admiral will appear in history loved 
as much as admii-ed, the ideal of sailors, of fresh, un- 
selfish boyhood ; the hero of all hearts ; the darling of the 
forecastle, as well as of the parlor. May he be preserved 
for many years to receive the grateful admiration of his 
countrymen ! Writes a surgeon in the navy of Farragut : 

" But I desire to speak more particularly of those 
heart qualities of Farragut that do not manifest them- 
selves to the public eye and are not published in official 
bulletins. The greatest of Amei'ican essayists says that 
there is so^nething in character that attracts us by a power 
as natural as that of gravity. No one who has ever been 
brought into personal relations with Farragut, can have 
failed to be impressed with the fact that there is in that 
man a power of character behind his deeds, out of which 
his life has grown. 



334 * LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARRAGUT. 

" Eveiy one speaks of his cordial and familiar man- 
ners. He strives to make the liumblest officer or man 
perfectly at home in his presence. The modest, the un- 
assuming, the timorous, can approach him and talk with 
him as with a parent, - He abhors the ' otium cum digni- 
tate ' ideas and actions of many navy ofiTicers of high rank. 
Indeed, he would not have lived in vain if he accomplished 
nothing more than to demonstrate that it is possible for 
an officer to hold a high position in the navy, and yet be 
familiar and accessible to the poorest and liumblest. It 
seems to be his study, a part of his profession, to consider 
the feelings of his inferiors. 

" Is it to be wondered at that all officers and men are 
enthusiastic in their devotion to their brave and good 
leader ? There is a great deal of grumbling In all squad- 
rons — especially on the blockade. Men grovi'l from habit.' 
It is contagious, and spreads rapidly from man to man. 
They growl at the rations, at the weather, at the orders 
and regulations ; growl at the tardiness of supplies, and 
delay of mails ; growl about the management of the war, 
and all the internal economy of the ship ; growl at their ship- 
mates and superior officers ; growl in their messes, growl 
about the food and the bills ; growl especially at the 
caterer and steward, and all who are laboring for their 
welfare — ^but rarely is a word breathed against Farragut. 
He is to them not only their Magnus Apollo^ but also, as 
it appears, well-nigh infallible. Where there is some 



LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARRAGUT. 335 

show of reason for censuring his conduct, they try to 
shiekl him, and make others bear the brunt, just as the 
Mexican legions, in their battle vvith Cortez, gathei'ed 
around the person of their leader, determined at nil 
hazards to ward off the arrows from him, whoever else 
might fall. 

" The sailor loves a commander who is not afraid to 
fight, and who looks well to the interests and rights of the 
' blue jackets.' Therefore Jack can but worship Farra- 
gut, Avho irf always his friend and advocate, and who has 
publicly declared, ' all I want of a man is to fight.' 

" He has preserved his vigor and agility for over 
sixty years by a life of prudence and temperance that is 
rare among naval officers. Even now he can climb the 
rattlings with the sprightliucss of a messenger boy. There 
is life in his every movement. There is magnetism in his 
step, in his looks, in his voice." 

Vice- Admiral Farragut visited several of the cities of 
the Northern States during the spring and summer of 
18G5. A sketch of one or two expressions of popular 
enthusiasm will indicate the welcome he cveryvvdiere r.- 
ceived from the grateful masses : 

" The public reception of Vice- Admiral Farragut and 
Major-Gencral Andei'son, at Faneuil Hall, Boston, was at- 
tended by a very large concourse of people, a majority of 
v;hom were ladies. The honored guests, accompanied by 
Mayor Lincoln, on making their appearance upon the ros- 



336 LIFE OF ADMIRAL FAREAGUT. 

trum, Avere greeted with cheer upon cheer, the fluttering 
of perfumed handkerchiefs, the Avaviug of hats, and other 
enthusiastic demonstrations. Admiral Farragut then 
stepped forward and said that he was happy to meet tlic 
citizens of Boston, and in compliance with the wishes of 
his Honor the Mayor, he and General Anderson had 
come to the hall to take them by the hand. The few 
words spoken by the Admiral were received with applause. 
The distinguished guests then took their positions at the 
rear of the platform, and Mayor Lincoln stationed him- 
self in front, to direct the people whenever necessary, as 
they were presented. 

" Tlie multitude began to ascend the platform on the 
left, greeting first the Admii-al, next the General, after- 
wards passing down the other side. There were some" 
interesting and aifectiug scenes in these exchanges of 
salutations between the brave heroes and the grateful 
public. Among the foremost who came upon the plat- 
form to grasp the hands of the patriotic and brave Gen- 
eral and the unexcelled naval commander, was Brigadier- 
General Ilinks. The General was personally introduced 
to General Anderson by His Honor the Mayor, as ' the 
gentleman who wrote the letter to him when he was in 
Fort Moultrie, tendering him the aid of Massachusetts 
troops.' The greeting was very cordial, and the hero q^' 
Fort Sumter remarked that he should have answered the 
letter if he had then liad the authority. The two re- 



LIFE OF ADMIKAL FAKRAGUT. 837 

inaioed in social conversation for some time. A crippled 
eoldicr of the 11th New Hampshire i-cgiment with some 
difficulty succeeded in ascending the rostrum, and was 
graciously received. General Anderson asked him to 
sit down upon the sofa and rest, saying, ' These are the 
inou who deserve our thanks.' Another maimed veteran 
extended the only hand loft him, v/hich v/as cordially 
shaken, General Anderson remarking, ' I am glad to take 
hold of that hand, my friend.' Several Jack tars run the 
gauntlet, and were v.-armly greeted by both officers, greatly 
to the approbation of the spectators. One jolly fellow, 
belonging to the Monadnock, twice went the rounds, 
and gave the Admiral a tremendous shaking each time, 
expressing in strong terms his admiration for the hero of 
New Orleans. One old fellov/ recounted the many en- 
gagements that ho had participated in, and embraced the 
opportunity to entreat the Admiral to get him a situation. 
An elderly lady, v.hosc form was bent and tremulous 
with age and trouble, was introduced as a mother v/ho 
had given three brave sons to the country. General An- 
derson feelingly said, ' God bless you for that, madam.' 

"• The salutations and greetings were various — ex- 
pressive of affection, admiration, congratulation, lauda- 
tion, or benediction, as the case m^ay be. Many brought 
brief written addresses, which they handed to the officer 
to whom they wei*e addressed. Frequently some one would 
fervently remark, on greeting the distinguished heroes, 
22 



338 LIFE OF ADIillKAL FAPJIAGUT. 

' God bless you, sirs.' One pretty young lady said to 
General Anderson, ' General, I had a brother with you 
in Sumter ; God bless you for your pluck.' One enthusi- 
astic gentleman proudly exclaimed, ' Our country, the 
glory of the world ! ' to which General Anderson re- 
sponded, ' Now and forever ! ' Some simply said, ' Thank 
you, General; thank you, Admiral.' Others, 'I am very 
glad to see you.' 

•' The ladies, not contented with shaking the hands of 
the guests, and expressing in words tlieir appreciation af 
their patriotic services, saluted them with kisses, and left 
the impress of their beauty upon the lips and cheeks of 
those whom they addressed. Admiral Farragut and Gen- 
eral Anderson stood all such attacks with composure, if 
not pleasure ; indeed they rather seemed to like them, and 
so did the audience, for cAcry lady v/ho thus expi-essed 
her sentiments v/as liberally applauded. This feminine 
expression of regard and confidence was indulged in by 
at least two hundred ladies, representing all ages. 

" The ceremony of the reception occupied about an 
hour, the last to greet the guests being the platoon oi' 
police stationed in the hall. It is estimated that during 
the levee Admiral Farragut and General Anderson shock 
hands with not less than twenty-five hundred people. At 
the conclusion of the hand-shakings three rousing cheers 
were given for each of tlie city's guests, the assembly be- 
ing led by his Honor the Mayor. The cry of ' Speech J 

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